Glunor 500 mg Tablet

Glunor 500 mg Tablet — Metformin Hydrochloride

Overview

Glunor 500 mg Tablet is manufactured by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd., one of Bangladesh's largest pharmaceutical companies with extensive manufacturing capacity and quality-control infrastructure. Each tablet contains 500 mg of metformin hydrochloride, the global first-line oral agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glunor is widely prescribed across Bangladesh as a dependable, consistently supplied metformin option for patients beginning or continuing standard oral antidiabetic therapy.

Mechanism of Action

Metformin lowers blood glucose primarily by suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, reducing intestinal glucose absorption, and improving peripheral insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue. It does not stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion, so it carries a low intrinsic risk of hypoglycemia when used alone. Metformin also has modest favourable effects on lipid profile and is associated with weight neutrality or modest weight loss.

Indications

Glunor 500 mg is indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly as initial pharmacologic therapy alongside diet and exercise. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, or insulin when glycemic targets are not met on lifestyle measures alone. It is also used off-label in select cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) under physician supervision.

Dosage and Administration

The usual starting dose is 500 mg once or twice daily with meals, increased gradually over 1–2 weeks based on tolerance and glycemic response, up to a typical maintenance range of 1500–2000 mg/day in divided doses. The maximum recommended dose is generally 2550 mg/day. Taking Glunor with food reduces gastrointestinal side effects. Dose titration should always be guided by a physician based on renal function and glycemic control.

Contraindications

Glunor is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m²), acute or chronic metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis, and known hypersensitivity to metformin. Caution is required in hepatic impairment, conditions predisposing to tissue hypoxia, and in patients undergoing imaging procedures requiring iodinated contrast.

Side Effects

The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and a metallic taste — which are usually transient and minimized by gradual dose titration and administration with food. Long-term use may reduce vitamin B12 absorption, so periodic monitoring is advisable. Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious risk, occurring almost exclusively in patients with predisposing conditions such as renal failure or severe hypoxia.

Drug Interactions

Iodinated contrast media can transiently impair renal function and increase the risk of lactic acidosis; metformin is typically withheld before and after contrast procedures as advised by the treating physician. Concomitant use with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alcohol, and certain cationic drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion may alter metformin levels. Always disclose all current medications to your physician or pharmacist.

Special Precautions

Renal function should be assessed before starting therapy and monitored periodically thereafter, especially in elderly patients. Metformin should be temporarily discontinued during acute illness associated with dehydration, hypoxia, or sepsis. Use during pregnancy and lactation should be individualized by the treating physician.

Storage

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can Glunor 500 be taken without food?
It is preferable to take Glunor with or immediately after meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset; taking it on an empty stomach increases the likelihood of nausea or discomfort.

Q2: How long does it take for Glunor to lower blood sugar?
Some glucose-lowering effect may be seen within days, but optimal effect on HbA1c typically takes 2–3 months of consistent use combined with diet and exercise.

Q3: Is Glunor safe for long-term use?
Yes, metformin is generally considered safe for long-term use in patients with normal renal function, with periodic monitoring of kidney function and vitamin B12 levels recommended by the physician.

Q4: Can Glunor be combined with insulin?
Yes, metformin is commonly combined with insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes management; the combination should be supervised by a physician to adjust dosing and avoid hypoglycemia.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a registered physician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Dosage and suitability vary by individual health condition.