Glucophage XR 750mg Tablet (Metformin HCl, Extended-Release)

Key Takeaways

•      Active Ingredient: Metformin HCl 750mg per tablet, extended-release

•      Main Use: adjunct to diet and exercise for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes

•      Dose: as prescribed by a doctor, typically once daily with the evening meal

•      Access: requires a prescription at Dawa Healthcare in Pakistan

•      Price: around Rs. 123.20 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change

📋 Product Specifications

How Glucophage XR 750mg Works

Glucophage XR contains Metformin, which lowers blood sugar through three main actions: it reduces how much glucose the liver releases into the bloodstream, it decreases how much glucose the intestines absorb from food, and it improves how sensitive muscle and fat tissue are to insulin. Unlike some other diabetes medicines, Metformin does not push the pancreas to release more insulin, which is why it does not typically cause low blood sugar on its own. The extended-release formulation uses a special tablet matrix that releases Metformin gradually over several hours, which allows once-daily dosing and may improve gastrointestinal tolerability compared with immediate-release tablets for some patients. It is normal to occasionally see a soft, intact tablet shell in the stool, since the matrix itself passes through the digestive system after releasing the medicine.

Glucophage XR 750mg Uses

Glucophage XR 750mg Tablet is used for:

•      Type 2 Diabetes Management: as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults

•      Starting and Titrating Therapy: commonly used as a starting extended-release dose, with your doctor increasing the dose gradually based on blood sugar response

•      Combination Therapy: used alone or together with other oral antidiabetic medicines or insulin, as prescribed

Glucophage XR 750mg is intended for long-term, ongoing management of type 2 diabetes rather than short-term use. It works best as part of an overall plan involving diet, physical activity, and regular monitoring, and should be taken exactly as prescribed rather than adjusted on your own.

Who Should Use Glucophage XR 750mg

Glucophage XR 750mg is generally prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar is not adequately controlled by diet and exercise alone, particularly when a doctor determines that once-daily dosing or better gastrointestinal tolerability would suit the patient.

🚫 Who Should Avoid It

Avoid Glucophage, or use only under medical advice, if you have severe kidney impairment, acute or chronic metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis, or a known hypersensitivity to Metformin. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a history of heart failure, or conditions that can affect breathing or oxygen levels, since these increase the risk of a rare but serious complication called lactic acidosis. Limit alcohol intake while taking Glucophage, since excessive alcohol use increases this risk further.

Long-Term Use and Monitoring

Glucophage XR 750mg is generally intended for ongoing, long-term use as part of type 2 diabetes management, with periodic review of your dose and kidney function by your doctor. Long-term Metformin use has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some patients, so your doctor may check this periodically. Do not stop taking Glucophage without medical advice, even if your blood sugar improves, since ongoing use is what maintains blood sugar control.

💊 How to Take Glucophage XR 750mg (Dosage)

Glucophage XR 750mg should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, generally once daily with the evening meal. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Never crush, cut, or chew an extended-release tablet, since this releases the full dose at once instead of gradually, which can increase side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose and increase it gradually over time based on your blood sugar response and tolerability, which helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Missed Dose: If you miss a scheduled dose, take it with your next meal, unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule - do not take a double dose.

⚠️ Side Effects - What to Expect

Aside from this rare risk, Glucophage XR 750mg is generally well tolerated, and gastrointestinal side effects tend to be less noticeable than with immediate-release Metformin for some patients. Side effects can include:

•      Diarrhea (common)

•      Nausea or vomiting (common)

•      Flatulence or abdominal discomfort (common)

•      Indigestion (common)

•      Headache (common)

•      Unusual tiredness (uncommon)

•      Reduced vitamin B12 levels with long-term use (uncommon)

Most gastrointestinal side effects occur when starting treatment or increasing the dose, and often ease over time. Contact your doctor if side effects are severe or persistent.

🛡️ Precautions and Drug Interactions

•      Alcohol: avoid excessive alcohol intake, since it increases the risk of lactic acidosis

•      Iodinated Contrast Agents: Glucophage may need to be temporarily stopped before or after imaging procedures using contrast dye; follow your doctor's instructions

•      Diuretics and Corticosteroids: these can affect blood sugar control and kidney function; your doctor may monitor you more closely

•      Insulin or Sulfonylureas: combining these with Glucophage can increase the risk of low blood sugar; your doctor may adjust doses accordingly

•      Kidney Function: your doctor will check kidney function before starting and periodically during treatment, since Metformin is processed by the kidneys

❄️ Storage

Store Glucophage XR 750mg Tablets below 30°C, away from moisture and heat. Keep in the original packaging until use. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

💰 Glucophage XR 750mg Price in Pakistan

The Glucophage XR 750mg Tablet price in Pakistan is around Rs. 123.20 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice. Buy genuine Glucophage online from Dawa Healthcare with fast delivery in Karachi and nationwide.

For related products, explore our Medicine category, or read wellness tips on our Health & Wellness Blog.

🔄 Glucophage XR 750mg vs Glucophage XR 500mg

Glucophage XR 750mg and Glucophage XR 500mg both contain Metformin HCl in extended-release form, but differ in tablet strength. Glucophage XR 750mg delivers a higher total dose in a single tablet, while Glucophage XR 500mg is the standard starting extended-release strength. Your doctor will decide which strength best fits your treatment plan.

For the standard extended-release starting dose, see Glucophage XR 500mg Tablet. Explore the full range on our Medicine category page.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, and read the product label before use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glucophage XR 750mg Tablet used for?

Glucophage XR 750mg Tablet contains extended-release Metformin and is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

What is the correct dose of Glucophage XR 750mg for adults?

The dose is set by your doctor, typically taken once daily with the evening meal.

Is a prescription required to buy Glucophage XR 750mg?

Yes, per the current Dawa Healthcare listing, Glucophage XR 750mg requires a prescription.

What are the side effects of Glucophage XR 750mg?

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and indigestion. A rare but serious risk is lactic acidosis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Who should avoid Glucophage XR 750mg?

Avoid it, or seek medical advice first, if you have severe kidney impairment, metabolic acidosis, liver disease, or a history of heart failure.

Can Glucophage XR 750mg be taken with other medicines?

Tell your doctor about diuretics, corticosteroids, insulin, sulfonylureas, and any use of iodinated contrast agents for imaging.

Can Glucophage XR 750mg be taken during pregnancy?

Discuss this with your doctor, since diabetes management during pregnancy requires individualized medical supervision.

How should Glucophage XR 750mg be stored?

Store below 30°C, away from moisture and heat, and out of reach and sight of children.

What's the difference between Glucophage XR 750mg and Glucophage XR 500mg?

Both contain extended-release Metformin HCl, taken once daily. Glucophage XR 750mg delivers a higher dose per tablet, while Glucophage XR 500mg is the standard starting extended-release strength.

What is the price of Glucophage XR 750mg in Pakistan?

The price is around Rs. 123.20 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice.