What is Metformin 250 mg?

Metformin Hydrochloride 250 mg is a low-dose diabetes medicine used to treat Type 2 Diabetes.
It helps lower high blood sugar and keeps levels stable.

Doctors usually use this small dose:

• For beginners
• For people who cannot tolerate higher doses
• To slowly increase the dose to avoid stomach side effects

How does it work?

Metformin works in three main ways:

1. Reduces sugar made by the liver

Your liver produces extra sugar. Metformin slows this down.

2. Helps insulin work better

It improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, so cells can use sugar properly.

3. Slows sugar absorption from food

This prevents sudden rise in blood sugar after meals.

Metformin does NOT cause weight gain and usually does not cause low blood sugar by itself.

Why do doctors prescribe 250 mg?

Doctors may start with 250 mg when:

• You are new to Metformin.
• You had stomach problems with higher doses.
• You are elderly or have other health issues.
• Your doctor wants to slowly increase the dose (e.g., 250 → 500 → 850 → 1000 mg).

This dose helps your body get used to the medicine.

How to take it

• Usually taken once or twice daily with meals.
• Always take it with food to avoid stomach upset.
• Swallow it with water.

Dose may later be increased as per doctor’s advice.

Common side effects

Mostly mild and reduce with time:

• Gas
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Loose stools
• Metallic taste
• Bloating

These are less common with 250 mg because it is a small dose.

Serious but rare side effect

Lactic acidosis (very rare but serious)

Symptoms include:

• Fast breathing
• Extreme tiredness
• Muscle pain
• Feeling cold or dizzy
• Severe weakness

Seek medical help immediately if these happen.

Who should avoid it

• Severe kidney problems
• Severe liver disease
• Heavy alcohol users
• People who are dehydrated or vomiting
• Before CT scan with contrast dye (doctor may stop it temporarily)
• People with heart failure (consult doctor)

What to monitor

• Fasting blood sugar
• Post-meal blood sugar
• HbA1c every 3 months
• Kidney function tests
• Stomach symptoms

Important precautions

• Take with food always.
• Drink enough water.
• Avoid too much alcohol.
• Do not skip doctor checkups.
• Do not stop suddenly without doctor’s advice.