Drugs
Diabex
Generic Name: Metformin hydrochloride
Product Name: Diabex
- Indication of Diabex
- Action of Diabex
- Dose Advice of Diabex
- Schedule of Diabex
- Common side effects of Diabex
- Uncommon side effects of Diabex
- Reference
Indication of Diabex:
Diabex is a blood sugar lowering drug suitable for children over 10 years and adults whose blood sugar levels fail to improve as a result of dietary and exercise management.
Diabex is also used in the treatment of anovulatory infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome under specialist's supervision.
Action of Diabex:
Diabex belongs to a group of medicines called biguanides. It lowers high blood glucose levels by helping your body make better use of the insulin produced by the pancreas. This is because people with type 2 diabetes are unable to make enough insulin or their body does not respond properly to the insulin. This causes a build up of glucose in the blood, which can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney damage, poor blood circulation and gangrene. Signs to watch out for include tiredness or lack of energy, headache, thirst, passing large amounts of urine and blurred vision.
Dose Advice of Diabex:
You should follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
Adults: The usual starting dose is 500mg once or twice daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose according to your blood sugar control. The maximum dose daily is 1000mg three times daily.
Children from 10 years of age & adolescents: the recommended dose is 500mg or 850mg daily. The total daily dose is 2g in 2 to 3 divided doses.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: 500mg 2-3 times daily up to maximum of 2g per day.
Diabex tablets should be taken with meals to avoid stomach upset. It has slow onset of effect and may take up 2 weeks to establish. Your doctor will perform a blood test every 4-6 months to monitor your kidney function.
Diabex may interact with some medicines. These include other classes of antihyperglycaemic agents such as sulfonylureas and repaglinide, anti-hypertensive drugs such as beta-blockers, angiotensin-receptor blocker, anticoagulants such as warfarin, diuretic tablets, thyroxine, cimetidine and glucocorticoids. The list could be extensive. If you are unsure, always check with your doctor or pharmacists.
Use in Pregnancy
The safety of Diabex in pregnancy has not been established. However, you should ensure strict blood glucose control throughout the pregnancy period as abnormal blood glucose level can cause birth defects in foetus. Insulin should be considered instead.
Use in Breastfeeding
There is no human data available to identify the effects of Diabex on breast milk. Your decision to use Diabex during breastfeeding should outweigh its risks. You should talk to your doctor regarding your concerns.
