I took a 1000mg pill of Metformin around 3 am because I missed my dose earlier. Just checked my blood sugar and it's 210 so I took my morning dose of 1000mg. Is that ok to do? I probably should have asked that before I took it. So confused about this illness. I really need help.
Double dose
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
G
Guest
·hi Niki - I'm not sure if that is too much for you? the best way to find out is keep testing using your glucometer. The maximum dosage of Metformin daily is 3000mg I was told by my endo and GP... they wouldn't put me on more than that when I was on it. I don't know if docs in other places use a higher dosage? But I'm thinking if you've only taken 2000mg you should be Ok. What was the timeframe between each tablet? Usually anything over 6-8 hours is Ok for most drugs. If you're not sure though it's a good idea to discuss this with your docs. They are the best people to advise you how to take your medication. A pharmacist may also be able to offer some advice too. Make sure you keep quick acting carbs close at hand just in case too (yes, I did have some hypos on Metformin which I know some people haven't experienced). Let us know how you go.
Since Metformin works in the liver not the pancreas , it rarely causes bg lows like some other drugs. I routinely take one 850 dose around 7 am and the second one around 10:30 am and the last dose around bedtime. I have even experimented with taking 2 doses at the same time. Metformin builds up in your system so it is the total dose you take in 24 hours that is important. If I miss a dose my bgs usually go up too.
I've taken double doses of my met on several occasions (every time I forget it! 
) My tabs are 1000mg each & I've never had any ill effects. As jwags says, metformin works in the liver, so there's no extra insulin created to cause a dangerous low. I think the maximum dose in the States is 2550mg per day. Just follow our standard advice to test, test, TEST!
) My tabs are 1000mg each & I've never had any ill effects. As jwags says, metformin works in the liver, so there's no extra insulin created to cause a dangerous low. I think the maximum dose in the States is 2550mg per day. Just follow our standard advice to test, test, TEST! 
Joined
·
161 Posts
I think I am just restating what they said but, I just wanted to add that Metformin is not a drug that you take because you have a high reading. I recently was in a new Diabetics class (I will create a post in a minute) and one of the guys came in with a cup cake here is how the conversation went
Me: Sir this is the class for New Diabetics
Him: Yeah I know I have Diabetes
Me: Hmmm Sorry I saw the cupcakes and thought a Diabetic would not eat that
Him: It is OK I took an extra pill
Well sorry to say that since Metformin works in the Liver the dosage you take does not immediately work... I like to think about it this way... Think about when you first got the Metformin... Did it take.. 3...4...5....7...14...21 days to work???? Well that is how long it will take the dosage you take today to affect your system. If you look at it that way (and that is how I looked at it) you are less likely to miss the dose... Why??? Well when I think I am ok now so I do not need the dose... I will not take it.... BUT when I think to myself... Hmmm what will I be doing 14 days from now... Will I be Running a Digger with my nephew in the hole... driving a car with my wife next to me... Maybe watching my God daughter... I really do not know... and THAT IS WHEN THAT PILL WILL AFFECT ME.... I never missed a pill once I thought of it that way
Me: Sir this is the class for New Diabetics
Him: Yeah I know I have Diabetes
Me: Hmmm Sorry I saw the cupcakes and thought a Diabetic would not eat that
Him: It is OK I took an extra pill
Well sorry to say that since Metformin works in the Liver the dosage you take does not immediately work... I like to think about it this way... Think about when you first got the Metformin... Did it take.. 3...4...5....7...14...21 days to work???? Well that is how long it will take the dosage you take today to affect your system. If you look at it that way (and that is how I looked at it) you are less likely to miss the dose... Why??? Well when I think I am ok now so I do not need the dose... I will not take it.... BUT when I think to myself... Hmmm what will I be doing 14 days from now... Will I be Running a Digger with my nephew in the hole... driving a car with my wife next to me... Maybe watching my God daughter... I really do not know... and THAT IS WHEN THAT PILL WILL AFFECT ME.... I never missed a pill once I thought of it that way
Hi Doc. Thanks for your information. Just thought I'd clear some things up. I didn't miss my pill because my level was fine. I missed it because I did not at that time have a regular eating habit because of my work schedule. I have since changed that. I took the missed dose(not an "extra pill") because I didn't know if my levels were raised because I missed the earlier dose. Not because I ate the wrong thing or anything like that.DocWhitley said:
Joined
·
161 Posts
Sorry if you misunderstood... I just wanted to explain how that medication works... I is not like a fast working insulin that affects you right away... If you miss a dose just take it when you remember is what I was told
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Join the discussion
