Today, there are many substitutes for traditional hypoglycemic drugs. One of these analogues is the antidiabetic agent Metformin-Richter, which is prescribed to patients in order to increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
Material Content:
Release form, composition and packaging
This drug belongs to the class of biguanides. The main active substance is metformin hydrochloride. The composition of tablets for diabetes includes the following additional elements: povidone, mcc, aerosil, stearate mania.
The shape distinguishes:
- 500 mg tablets;
- 850 mg tablets;
- 1000 mg tablets.
1000 mg dosage formulated for patients with increased insulin resistancetherefore, they need a large daily dosage. The drug is dispensed in cardboard packs that contain five blisters of 10 tablets.
Pharmacological action and pharmacokinetics
The pharmacological properties of metformin are manifested in its ability to inhibit gluconeogenesis in the human liver. However, there is a decrease in the process of glucose uptake in the intestine and an increase in its utilization. And also, thanks to the drug, a decrease in total cholesterol is provided, since the susceptibility of tissues to insulin and a decrease in glycemia are carried out without stimulation of the pancreas.
In addition, the process of peripheral breakdown of glucose, the exchange of thyroid stimulating hormone, as well as a decrease in the risk of blood clots due to blockage of the blood vessel, should be highlighted. The likelihood of thrombosis is significantly reduced due to the stimulation of the process of dissolution of blood clots. Against the background of the use of this tool, body weight may decrease. Metformin-Richter tablets can serve as a prophylaxis of a heart attack, and also improve the blood circulation process.
After the use of the drug, rapid absorption of the main active compound in the gastric tract is noted. The bioavailability indicator is at least 60%. The highest degree of concentration of the main substance in the blood plasma is observed three hours after application. Metformin practically does not bind to plasma proteins. Excretion is carried out through the kidneys.
Why is the drug prescribed?
This drug is prescribed by your doctor.
The following pathological disorders are the grounds for the appointment of Metformin-Richter:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (in the absence of positive results from diet therapy).
- For adult patients, it is prescribed as monotherapy or a combination treatment with some other hypoglycemic drugs.
- For children from 10 years old, it is used as the only drug or in combination with insulin.
- After detecting diabetes based on tests (usually in obese diabetics).
- Metabolic syndrome, prediabetes.
The instructions for use do not indicate a number of factors however, in some cases, medication may be prescribed for liver steatosis (fatty infiltration). Often, the drug is prescribed as maintenance therapy.
Instructions for use Metformin Richter 500,800,1000
The amount of the drug is selected strictly individually. The initial dosage for all patients is 500 mg or, in more severe cases, 850 mg. This scheme is followed for two weeks, tablets should be taken in the evening after a meal. Then a gradual increase in the norm by another 500 or 850 mg is required. The medicine is divided into several methods. The optimal dosage is 2000 mg, and the maximum is 3000 mg, but with kidney diseases, this figure drops to 1000 mg. In case of symptoms of lactic acidosis or other negative phenomena, dosage adjustment is required.
During pregnancy and lactation
To date, there are no reliable studies on the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It was found that metformin is able to cross the placental barrier. Based on the available data on the dangers and benefits of the active component composition, a medicine can be prescribed only if the potential harm to the fetus is justified by the condition of the pregnant woman. Also, specialist consultation and observation throughout the entire therapeutic course is necessary.
The main component of the drug in small quantities is able to penetrate into breast milk. However, no adverse reactions in newborns were noted. In this case, full-fledged studies on the effect of this component have not been conducted, therefore, breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
In some cases, the use of this drug is contraindicated for certain reasons.
The following pathological conditions are the grounds for the Metformin-Richter ban:
- Being in a diabetic coma or a condition of an ancestor in a patient.
- Disturbed functioning of the renal system and liver.
- Metabolic acidosis, which is characterized by a violation of carbohydrate metabolism.
- Severe pathological conditions affecting the cardiovascular system.
- Pathology of the circulatory system in the brain.
- Addiction to alcohol, as well as some other situations in which the risk of developing lactic acidosis is significantly increased.
- During a hypocaloric diet.
- Symptoms of lactic acidosis progression.
- Severe infectious diseases.
- Children's age up to 10 years.
- Inadequate response of the immune system, which manifests itself in hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug.
Even with the normal functioning of the kidneys, a periodic examination of their condition is required.
With caution, the drug is prescribed for elderly patients, since in their situation the risk of developing lactic acidosis increases. And also control is required for patients who are jointly taking other medications.
Against the background of Metformin-Richter therapy, the following adverse reactions may occur:
- bouts of vomiting, a taste of metal in the mouth, lack of appetite, pain in the stomach;
- vitamin B12 deficiency, signs of lactic acidosis;
- progression of megaloblastic anemia
- side effects affecting the endocrine system (symptoms of hypoglycemia);
- individual reaction in the form of urticaria.
Reported cases of an overdose of a glycemic agent confirmed the fact that a significant excess of the norm does not cause the development of hypoglycemia. However, an overdose threatens to cause lactic acidosis, a dangerous condition that can lead to death or coma. The patient develops pain in the joints and muscles, body temperature decreases, disorientation of orientation in space is noted, as well as a possible fainting condition. The victim will need symptomatic treatment and restoration of normal metabolism.
Analogues of a hypoglycemic drug
To replace this medication, you can choose drugs that are interchangeable by the nature of the effect. These include Gliformin, Bagomet, Formin Pliva, NovoFormin, Glyukofazh, Metadiene and some others. The use of analogues should be agreed with a specialist.
The hypoglycemic drug Metformin-Richter remains the leading agent in type 2 diabetes. The first-line drug is used as an independent medicine or as a supplement. Given the wide list of contraindications, consultation with your doctor is required.
