Radimet XR Tablet 500 mg contains Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg (extended-release), an oral antidiabetic medication used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The extended-release (XR) formulation is designed to release the medicine slowly over time, providing sustained blood glucose control with improved gastrointestinal tolerability compared to immediate-release formulations.

Metformin XR is commonly prescribed as first-line therapy, especially in patients who experience stomach-related side effects with standard metformin.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Indications

Radimet XR 500 mg is indicated for:

• Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Patients inadequately controlled with diet and exercise

• Monotherapy or combination therapy with:

  • Sulfonylureas

  • DPP-4 inhibitors

  • SGLT2 inhibitors

  • Insulin

It is particularly beneficial for patients requiring once-daily dosing or those sensitive to gastrointestinal side effects.

It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Mechanism of Action

Metformin works through several complementary mechanisms:

• Decreases hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis)

• Improves insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat tissues

• Enhances peripheral glucose uptake

• Reduces intestinal glucose absorption

The extended-release formulation allows gradual drug release, maintaining stable plasma levels and minimizing peak-related side effects.

Unlike insulin secretagogues, metformin does not stimulate insulin release, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia when used alone.

Dosage and Administration

• Usually taken once daily with the evening meal, or as prescribed.

• Swallow the tablet whole with water.

• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.

• Dose may be gradually increased based on blood glucose response and tolerability.

Kidney function should be assessed before starting therapy and monitored regularly.

Benefits

• Sustained 24-hour glucose control

• Reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to immediate-release metformin

• Once-daily convenient dosing

• Low risk of hypoglycemia when used alone

• Weight-neutral or modest weight loss effect

• Proven long-term safety and efficacy

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal discomfort

• Bloating

• Metallic taste

Rare but serious side effect:

• Lactic acidosis (rare but potentially life-threatening)

Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms such as unusual muscle pain, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, dizziness, or slow/irregular heartbeat occur.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Precautions and Warnings

• Contraindicated in severe renal impairment.

• Monitor kidney function regularly.

• Temporarily discontinue before iodinated contrast procedures.

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

• Use cautiously in liver disease or heart failure.

• Long-term use may cause vitamin B12 deficiency.

Contraindications

• Severe renal impairment

• Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis

• Hypersensitivity to metformin or any component of the formulation

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.