Metclam Forte

Metclam Forte Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Glibenclamide and Metformin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). It improves the blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with proper diet and regular exercise. Glibenclamide lowers the blood glucose levels by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin works by lowering the glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. This combination is not indicated for the treatment of Type 1 DM.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is a condition in which the body is unable to make enough insulin, and the insulin produced by the body does not work well. When this happens, the glucose level in the blood rises and leads to serious medical problems. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased hunger. Diabetes, if not treated properly, can cause long-term complications like neuropathy (nerve damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), eye damage (retinopathy), foot problems and also a higher risk of developing heart diseases.

The use of Metclam Forte Tablet is associated with common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache and upper respiratory tract infection. Its use can also lead to serious but rare side effects like lactic acidosis. On long-term use, it can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Yes, the use of Metclam Forte Tablet can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with this medicine. So, regular monitoring of blood sugar level is important. Always keep a quick source of sugar like glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you.

Yes, the use of Metclam Forte Tablet can cause vitamin B12 deficiency on long-term use as it interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems and the patient may feel a tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). To avoid such problems, some researchers suggest an intake of Vitamin B12 from outside sources at least once every year.

The use of Metclam Forte Tablet should be avoided in patients with known allergy to any of the components or excipients of this medicine. It should also be avoided in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease and in patients with underlying metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis.

No, it is not safe to take Metclam Forte Tablet along with alcohol, as it may lower your low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and can increase the chances of lactic acidosis.

Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.