Metformin Dosage: Metformin 500 mg, 1000 mg

The more common dosages include Metformin 500 mg, Metformin 850 mg and Metformin 1000 mg. Metformin contains an active ingredient of Glucophage, which is very often prescribed for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. It is also shown to be an effective treatment program for sufferers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other disorders where increased production of insulin in the body occurs. In some cases of severe obesity and in premature childhood puberty, this drug has shown to provide very positive results as well.

Prescribing physicians tend to begin the dosage requirements for most illnesses in the form of Metformin 500 mg administered twice per day, taken with food, or in Metformin 850 mg ingested orally only once per day. Metformin has a wide variety of possible side effects, and during the first few weeks of the treatment program the potential for an increase in severity for these side effects is likely. Therefore, the doctor tends to closely monitor this medication at the beginning in order to better regulate its effects.

At which point, the dosage may be adjusted in increments of Metformin 500 mg at a weekly rate or of Metformin 850 mg at bi-weekly rates. The maximum dosage typically does not exceed Metformin 2550 mg to be administered up to three times per day.

If the extended dose variety of Metformin is administered, the process may begin with either Metformin 500 mg prescribed once per day or Metformin 1000 mg taken in the evenings with dinner. It, too, can be increased in amounts of Metformin 500 mg weekly. In which case, the maximum dosage allowed does not exceed Metformin 2000 mg taken no more than twice per day. Metformin prescribed to children less than 18 years of age follows the same administered dosing processes, though the maximum levels are reduced.

Should any of the potential side effects begin to be seen, the prescribing physician may alter the dosage of the drug, reducing its quantity. Loss of appetite is a common and welcome side effect, but should be closely monitored. Others might include nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, severe headaches, fluctuation, moodiness and confusion.

The more life threatening possibilities can include lactic acidosis which exhibits symptoms of shortness of breath, increased heart rates, stomach cramps, muscle pain and extreme chills and shakes. Seizures and coma are also rare possibilities. Therefore, it is essential for the patient to be in constant contact with the medical provider during the course of treatment through Metformin.