dose
Last reviewed 07/2021
The incidence of gastrointestinal side effects with metformin is lower if a small initial dose is used. BNF recommendations now advise a step-wise introduction of metformin treatment (1)
- an initial dose of 500mg with breakfast for one week; then 500mg with breakfast and evening meal for one week; then 500mg with breakfast, lunch and evening meals
- most physicians limit to a maximum total dose of 2g daily
Reference:
- (1) Prescribers' Journal (2000), 40 (1), 38-48.
- (2) BNF 6.1