Riomet OD 500 MG SR Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Composition and Substitutes

Last updated on July 17th, 2023

Riomet OD 500 MG SR Tablet is an antidiabetic medication to control high blood glucose levels. It is the first ideal medication for individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is a condition where body fails to produce enough insulin or resists insulin.

Riomet 500 mg sr tablet helps in:

• Insulin production
• Reducing the excess blood glucose levels in the body
• Reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications. These are heart attack, blindness, kidney damage, and stroke.

Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential while consuming Riomet tablets. Riomet comprises Metformin tablets (as stated by WebMD), which contain hydrochloride as an active ingredient. Metformin falls under the class of medications known as biguanides. Diabetes is a medical condition in which the pancreas fails to make enough insulin, causing a high level of sugar in the blood.

Riomet helps reduce blood sugar to a normal level. It is an antihyperglycemic medicine employed in type 2 diabetics. This medicine also improves glucose tolerance. In the liver, Metformin suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis, as per the National Institutes of Health. In gluconeogenesis, glycogen breaks down into glucose-1-phosphate and glycogen. Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. It is accountable for reducing blood sugar in diabetics.

The doctor decides the dose a person may take. This depends upon age, other medicines a person is taking, and whether a person has kidney or liver problems. Riomet is not safe for breastfeeding mothers. Common side effects of this drug include nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. Riomet is appropriate for children and adolescents over 10 years.

Read More: Vildagliptin and Metformin

How Riomet OD works?

Riomet reduces glucose absorption from the intestine. It also reduces the production of glucose in the liver, which in turn improves the activity of insulin in the body. Hence, it helps decrease the levels of blood glucose.

Uses of Riomet OD 500 mg tablet

Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes occurs because of excess blood sugar levels in the body. This causes a reduction in insulin production. Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas. It is responsible for converting sugar from food into energy. Diabetes has two forms: type 1 (no insulin production) and type 2 (insulin resistance). Riomet reduces the blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics (adults and children). According to WebMD, metformin hydrochloride present in Riomet is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOS is a hormonal disorder. In this condition, the ovaries expand, and cysts develop in the outer ovarian lining. This occurs in females of reproductive age due to hormonal imbalance or a prolonged menstrual cycle. According to the NIH, Riomet OD (Metformin) helps in ovulation induction and is used to treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Directions for use

• Take the Riomet OD tablet as per the doctor’s instructions.
• The dose varies over time depending upon the therapeutic response and clinical condition.
• Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential during treatment with Riomet OD.
• A person must always carry a sugar candy. This counteracts the unanticipated reduction of blood glucose levels.
• Always maintain a strict exercise and diet routine for improved results.
• As per the WebMD, take the Riomet OD tablet with or after a meal. It would prevent a person from having side effects like digestive problems. Avoid crushing or chewing the medication. Swallow with a glass of water.

Read More: Sitagliptin and Metformin: Know the Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Interactions

Side effects of Riomet OD 500 MG Tablet

Significant and minor side effects of the Riomet tablet may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Swollen joints
• Weakness
• Chest uneasiness
• Runny nose
• Acidity

Rare side effects:

• Lactic acidosis
• Low vitamin B12 levels in the blood
• Inflammation of the liver
• Skin redness (erythema), irritation or a prickly rash (hives)

Read More: Zomelis Met 50mg/500mg Tablet

Contraindications of Riomet OD 500 MG Tablet

• Avoid consuming Riomet OD 500 mg tablet if you are hypersensitive to it. Look for instant medical help if you observe any allergic reactions. These are inflammation, skin rash, severe dizziness, and breathing problems.
• Avoid Riomet for use if you have metabolic acidosis. According to Taylor and Francis Online, the mortality rate for Metformin-induced lactic acidosis is 50%. It is an electrolyte disorder with altered acid-base balance in the body. Also, it might deteriorate a person’s condition.
• Do not consume Riomet OD tablet 500 mg if a person has severe kidney impairment, as it can result in changes in serum creatinine levels or irregular creatinine clearance. This might deteriorate the health condition owing to severe side effects.
• Avoid the use of Riomet OD during pregnancy, as it may have an impact on the foetus. Thus, depending on clinical conditions, a physician might recommend a safer option with a similar therapeutic effect.
• It is unknown whether Riomet passes into breast milk. Thus, it is not safe for use during lactation. A doctor might recommend a safer option based on the clinical condition.
• Metformin might cause kidney damage when used in renal patients. Therefore, close monitoring of kidney function is necessary.
• Discontinue the use of Riomet OD if you are exposed to stressful conditions. These conditions may include fever, surgeries, trauma (severe injury), or accidents. Riomet OD might not effectively regulate blood glucose levels in these conditions.
• Riomet OD is not safe for use in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas produces slight or no insulin since the medication is not efficacious in treating such cases.
• Riomet OD might result in diarrhoea during the initial phase of therapy. It typically subsides by itself. Yet, if the issue continues longer, visit a doctor instantly.

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

Substitutes for Riomet OD 500 MG Tablet

Missed Dose

Try not to miss a dose of Riomet OD 500 mg Tablet. In case of a missed dose, avoid adding it up to the next dose.

Overdose

Reach the medical department instantly or contact a doctor in case of an overdose.

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

Interactions

All medications interact differently from person to person. A person must check all the possible interactions with a doctor before initiating any medication.

Interaction with alcohol

Avoid the intake of alcohol during treatment with Riomet OD. This may result in severe side effects such as decreased glucose levels, dizziness, etc.

Interaction with medications

• Gatifloxacin
• Iodinated Contrast Media
• Amlodipine
• Estradiol
• Formoterol

Disease interactions

Lack of Vitamin B12

As stated by the GOV.UK, Riomet tablets (Metformin) must be used with care in case of vitamin B12 deficiency. It might deteriorate the condition. Depending on the clinical condition, this may require suitable B12 supplementation and dose adjustments.

Cardiovascular disorder

Take Riomet OD with caution if a person has heart problems or blood vessel problems. This might be because of an increased risk of severe side effects. Close monitoring of vital signs and heart function is essential.

Lactic Acidosis

Riomet OD may bring about lactic acidosis if a person has:

• septicemia (blood poisoning)
• kidney and heart problems.

Thus, closely monitoring sugar levels and heart, liver, and kidney functions is vital.

Hypoglycemia

Take Riomet OD with caution if a person has hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Close monitoring of glucose levels is also vital.

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

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