Metsmall 500 Tablet SR Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Composition, Price and Substitutes

Last updated on March 19th, 2023

Metsmall 500 tablet is an anti-diabetic drug. It is a biguanide diabetes medication that treats diabetes. It reduces the raised blood sugar level in type 2 diabetic people. It is composed of metformin hydrochloride, which is used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in various anti-diabetes medication. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or lifetime problem that impacts the way the body processes sugar. Type 2 diabetic patients have insulin resistance, which happens when the insulin produced cannot perform its function in the body. Middle-aged or older people are more prone to type 2 diabetes. Hence, it is also termed adult-onset diabetes.

Metsmall 500 Tablet SR

Metsmall 500 is recommended for type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise fail to control glucose levels. It is the first-line therapy for type 2 diabetics. This medication:

• restores the body’s response to insulin
• reduces the amount of blood glucose produced by the liver
• delays the glucose absorption by the stomach or intestines.

According to the National Institutes of Health, Metsmall 500 or metformin has off-label uses in females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this, the medicine normalises the menstruation cycle. It helps to:

• restore the body’s hormonal balance
• reduces the blood glucose levels
• stimulates ovulation.

Generally, Metsmall 500 does not result in side effects. Common side effects may involve nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or a metallic taste in the mouth. Rarely, it results in a condition known as lactic acidosis. It happens when too much lactic acid accumulates in the body. Lactic acidosis presents various signs like drowsiness, muscle pain, etc. Glucose levels might reduce while on Metsmall tablet with heavy exercise, having alcohol, or missing meals. It is important to discuss any of the health conditions stated above with a doctor.
Metsmall tablet works best when given with a healthy lifestyle. These changes might include:

• Weight management if a person has a BMI >25
• Consumption of fewer calories (low-fat and sugary food)
• Higher physical activity (at least 150 minutes of activity every week)

Read More: Pioglitazone Tablet – Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Metsmall 500 Uses and Benefits

Metsmall plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. It also helps to attain healthy blood sugar levels. The medicine helps to delay the absorption of sugar and also helps increase insulin sensitivity in the body. Another benefit is that metsmall mostly does not result in a sudden glucose level decrease. Unlike other anti-diabetic medicines like sulfonylureas or insulin, Metsmall 500 doesn’t cause weight gain. However, it may result in modest weight loss. In the prediabetic state, Metsmall tablet is one of the most common advisable treatments. Also, this medicine helps prevent severe diabetes complications. These may include:

• • kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy)
  • According to the NIH, metformin is shown to prevent blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy)
  • Metsmall can prevent loss of sensation in your hands and feet (Diabetic Neuropathy), as per a study published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal.

• even loss of foot (Amputation)

It also helps to lower the chances of heart disorders like heart attack or stroke.

Directions for Use

Do not take Metsmall 500 unless recommended by a doctor. Take the tablet with meals. This helps decrease stomach or bowel side effects. The doctor would advise on the frequency of intake depending on the medical condition. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.

Storage

Store Metsmall 500 in a cool and dry place. Keep the medicine away from sunlight and moisture.

Read More: Januvia 100 mg – Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Side Effects of Metsmall 500 Tablet

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Digestive issues
• Loose stools
• Abdominal pain

Drug Warnings

• Few diabetic patients consuming Metsmall might develop lactic acidosis. According to Hindawi, lactic acidosis has been reported due to an overdose of the medicine.
• MedlinePlus states that a person must not consume Metformin in case of kidney disease.
• Metsmall 500 can reduce the levels of vitamin B-12. Thus, a person must try to have blood tests annually.
• Metsmall 500 Tablet SR when combined with insulin, may excessively reduce the blood sugar level. Hence, a doctor might advice you to lower the dose of insulin.

Read More: Gliclazide Tablet : Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Metsmall 500 Tablet: Drug Interactions

Metsmall 500 Tablet can interact with:

• Anti-depressant (bupropion)
• Anti-epileptic drugs (topiramate, lamotrigine)
• Medicines for heart problems (digoxin)
• Antibiotics (cephalexin, ciprofloxacin)
• Anti-HIV drugs (dolutegravir)
• Saliva reducing drugs (glycopyrrolate)
• Medicines for acidity (cimetidine)
• Iodinated X-ray contrast agents
• Medications for glaucoma

Other drug interactions may lead to low blood glucose. These medicines may include:

• Pain relievers (aspirin)
• Anti TB drugs (prothionamide)
• Growth hormones (pegvisomant)
• Sex hormones (androgens)
• Anti-oxidant (alpha-lipoic acid)
• Other antidiabetic drugs.

Drug-Food Interaction: According to Diabetes UK, consumption of too much alcohol may increase the chance of a life-threatening problem like lactic acidosis. Hence, avoid the intake of liquor with Metsmall tablets.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Individuals having these problems must avoid Metsmall:

• Heart issues (congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Alcoholism.

Metsmall 500 Tablet  Substitutes

Read More: Ayurvedic Medicine and Diabetes 

Safety Advice

• Take Metsmall with caution in case of a history of liver problems. As per the British Pharmacological Society, metformin is associated with an increased risk of liver cirrhosis. The dose might require a dose adjustment by a doctor.
• Avoid Metsmall in case of breast-feeding or if you are planning to breastfeed your baby.
• It is good not to take alcohol along with Metsmall to avoid serious side effects like lactic acidosis.
• Metsmall is not safe for people with kidney problems. The dose may need adjustment depending on the renal functions. Regular monitoring of kidney function is vital for people taking Metsmall tablet.
• Metsmall 500 Tablet SR monotherapy does not result in hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Thus, it does not have an effect on the ability to drive or use machines.
• Metsmall 500 is not safe during pregnancy. However, a doctor might prescribe it to a pregnant woman considering various factors. A woman must never take Metsmall without a doctor’s advice.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

• Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week.
• Keep the blood pressure within healthy limits as this lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic people.
• Losing weight slowly helps to attain a healthy BMI (18.5 to 24.9).
• Replacing refined carbs with whole-grain foods also helps. Enhancing the intake of fruits, veggies, and other fiber foods also aids in this.
• Avoid excessive stress, as it elevates blood sugar levels. Practice yoga and meditation to control stress-associated blood sugar changes.
• Choose low-fat dairy products.
• Lower the intake of saturated fats.
• Opt for omega-3 fatty acid-containing oils for daily cooking.

Read More: Top Sugar Free Tablets List for Diabetes Patients

Special Advise

• Keep consuming Metsmall 500 even if a person believes that their blood sugar levels are under control. If a person misses a dose, avoid a larger dose to compensate and talk to a doctor instead.
• It is essential to take short, frequent meals and avoid prolonged fasting while on Metsmall. Beware of low blood glucose signs such as:
  • sweating, dizziness
  • palpitations
  • shivering
  • intense thirst
  • dry mouth
  • dry skin
  • frequent urination
• Whenever a person experiences any of the above signs, immediately take 5-6 candies, glucose biscuits or honey/sugar. Keep all these items handy, particularly during long travels.
• It is good to inform your physician about any underlying conditions, if any, like heart attack, kidney disease, liver disease or alcohol consumption.
• Avoid intake of alcohol while on Metsmall. This increases the risk of hypoglycaemia and lactic acidosis.
• Quit smoking.
• Lower down the intake of carb-rich foods. These are potato, rice, mangoes, bread, sugar etc.

Remember, lifestyle changes play a vital role in blood glucose control. Reversing type 2 diabetes is very much possible now. It requires healthy eating, meal planning, and staying fit. If a person can do all these things, they can free themselves from diabetes and its complications.

Read More: Metformin Side Effects: Common, Severe and Long Term

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