When is the best time to take metformin?

When is the best time to take metformin?

Timing is important in many things in life – including when to take medications like metformin, sold under the brand names Glucophage, Fortamet, Riomet and Glumetza.

So when is the best time to take metformin? Well, there is no magic time, but metformin should be taken at the same time every day and with food to avoid gastrointestinal side effects. If you are taking metformin extended-release tablets, take them with your evening meal.

Read on for more information about the best time of day to take metformin and how to take it.

The best time to take metformin

First, it is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions about taking metformin. If you are told when to take your medication, stick to it.

If you haven’t been told the time, don’t panic. There is no best time to take metformin, but you should try to take it at the same time each day to avoid missing or doubling your dose.

Taking metformin with food may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, so try to take it with the same meal every day. If you are taking one metformin tablet a day, it is usually recommended to take it with your evening meal.

For example, the best time to take metformin 500 mg once daily is after dinner.

However, depending on the type of metformin you are taking and the dose, metformin may be taken more than once a day. Additionally, metformin comes as immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and as a liquid. Each type of metformin has different requirements for when and how it should be taken:

• Regular metformin tablets are taken with meals two or three times a day – for example with breakfast and dinner.

• Metformin extended-release tablets are usually taken once daily with the evening meal.

• Liquid metformin is usually taken with meals once or twice a day.

The same advice applies here: if you take metformin two or three times a day, try to take it at the same time each day.

However, we all respond to medications differently, so the best time to take metformin for one person may not be the best time for you. As always, if you have questions about your prescription, please contact your doctor. Never make assumptions about a medication, especially a new one.

How to take metformin

As with taking metformin, you should also follow your doctor’s instructions about taking metformin.

Need a refresh? Did you throw away the FDA information leaflet that came with the drug? We will guide you through the correct use of metformin.

Here are the dos and don’ts of taking metformin tablets:

• Do not chew or crush the tablets. Unless your health care professional tells you to do so, do not chew or crush the tablets. This may cause all of the medicine to be released at once, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

• Don’t share your tablet. Do not split the tablet unless your doctor tells you to.

• Swallow the whole tablet. To swallow the tablet, drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.

• Take your medicines at the same time every day. Get into the habit of taking metformin at the same time every day.

• Take your medicines with food. This may help reduce stomach and intestinal problems that often occur during the first few weeks of treatment.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know if you take metformin in liquid form:

• Measure the fluid. You can use the dosing cup that comes with the medicine, a marked measuring cup, or an oral syringe. Avoid using a spoon you have in the kitchen as it may not contain the right amount of liquid.

• Take liquid metformin at the same time each day and with food. As with the tablet version, you should get into the habit of taking metformin liquid together to avoid missing a dose, and with food.

Your doctor may give you additional instructions depending on what you are taking metformin for – for example as a diabetes medicine or as a weight loss medicine. For example, they may provide you with a personalized diet plan or exercise recommendations to follow along with your medications. Be sure to follow these as it may affect how long metformin takes to work.

Understanding the side effects of metformin

As noted, timely titration of metformin is critical to reducing the risk and overall severity of side effects. But what exactly are these side effects?

The most common side effects of metformin include:

In rare cases, metformin may lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). This can happen if you don’t eat enough food, drink alcohol, or take other medications that lower blood glucose levels.

This is rare, but there is also a risk of lactic acidosis when taking metformin. This condition occurs when lactic acid builds up in the blood. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea, vomiting and weakness.

If you experience serious side effects while taking metformin, seek medical help immediately. If you have any questions or concerns about how metformin works or how to use the medicine, contact your doctor.

Tips on knowing when to take metformin

Now that you know a little more about metformin dosage, side effects, and recommendations for taking it, we have some tips for you.

As mentioned, the best time to take metformin depends on your individual needs and response to the drug. The only constant is that it must be taken with food and water. So, looking back, the best time to take metformin depends on what time you eat.

Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind:

• If you are not a breakfast person, taking metformin in the morning may not be a good option. Consider what time you usually eat your first meal and then take your medications.

• Alternatively, if you usually skip lunch or eat light dinners, it may be best to take metformin in the morning after breakfast.

• Stomach and intestinal problems can be side effects of metformin, especially at the beginning. If you work from home and have a bathroom close to you, you can easily take your medications at any time. However, if you commute to work in the morning or work in an office, you can take metformin in the evening when you are at home, at least for the first month.

• If you can’t remember to take your medication, try setting a daily alarm or switching to another habit. For example, leave medications next to something you use every day, such as a toothbrush or coffee machine. Do you feed your pet at the same time every day? Also take metformin during this time.

What to do if you forget to take metformin

If you forget to take your daily dose of metformin, it’s not the end of the world. However, try not to let it become a habit.

If you miss a dose of metformin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking metformin as usual.

You should never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you take too much metformin

There is a maximum daily dose, so it is possible to take too much metformin. A metformin overdose may manifest itself in the following symptoms:

When is the best time to take metformin? Final thoughts

Whether you’re taking metformin for weight loss, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or another condition entirely, you want to get the most out of your medication by taking it at the right time. The problem is that there is no right time.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Take metformin at the same time every day. There is no best time to take metformin for weight loss or type 2 diabetes (or any other condition). However, taking it at the same time each day can help you stay consistent and avoid skipping or doubling doses.

• The best time depends on the type and dose of metformin. Metformin extended-release tablets are usually taken once daily with the evening meal. Some people take metformin once, twice, or even three times a day, depending on the type of metformin (tablet or liquid) and the number of milligrams prescribed. Again, try to take it at the same time every day.

• Always take metformin with food and water. It is recommended to take metformin after a meal and with fluids, e.g. water.

• Do not change tablets. Unless your health care professional tells you to do so, never crush, chew, or split the tablets. This may change how well the medicine works in your body. You’ll also want to store them at room temperature.

• Be prepared for potential side effects. Taking metformin may cause unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset. Taking it with food may reduce your risk.

And if you’re just starting to consider weight loss treatment, know that metformin isn’t the only option. Other weight loss medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, and the combination semaglutide.

This article originally appeared on Forhers.com and was distributed by MediaFeed.org.

More from MediaFeed