Metformin Hydrochloride

Also sold as Metformin Hydrochloride, METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Medicine summary · from official FDA labels · Oct 19, 2026

Serious warning: BOXED WARNING WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain.

8 recalls on record — a recall affects specific batches; check with your pharmacist.

What it’s used for

Metformin hydrochloride tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin hydrochloride tablets, USP are a biguanide indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

How to take it

Adult Dosage for Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets: Starting dose: 500 mg orally twice a day or 850 mg once a day, with meals ( 2. 1 ) Increase the dose in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks, up to a maximum dose of 2,550 mg per day, given in divided doses ( 2.

Important warnings

Lactic Acidosis: See boxed warning. ( 5.

Common side effects

The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Lactic Acidosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5. 1) ] Vitamin B 12 Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.

Interactions

Table 3 presents clinically significant drug interactions with metformin hydrochloride.

If pregnant or breastfeeding

Forms & strengths

750 MG Oral Tablet · 1000 MG / 50 MG Oral Tablet · 500 MG / 50 MG Oral Tablet · 1000 MG Oral Tablet · 500 MG Oral Tablet · 850 MG Oral Tablet · 625 MG Oral Tablet · 100 MG/ML Oral Solution · 1000 MG / 2 MG Oral Tablet · 1000 MG / 4 MG Oral Tablet · 500 MG / 15 MG Oral Tablet · 500 MG / 1 MG Oral Tablet · 500 MG / 2 MG Oral Tablet · 500 MG / 4 MG Oral Tablet · 850 MG / 15 MG Oral Tablet

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

Is this the right medicine for my condition, and how long should I take it?
What side effects should I watch for, and which need urgent attention?
Does this interact with my other medicines, supplements, or alcohol?
What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?