I am 29 years and I have diabetics for past 5 years. My doctor prescribed me Glycomet 500 mg one in the morning and one at night before food. May I know the difference in Glycomet 500 and Glycomet 500 S.R, which is the best and effective.

Dr. Sunita SayammagaruEndocrinologist14yrs exp

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Hi, Both Glycomet 500 and Glycomet SR 500 have 500 kgs if Metformin. Plain Glycomet is a immediate release preparation- that means the drug starts to metabolise in the body immediately after taking it. The maximum drug concentration in the body is reached within 2-3 hours. This preparation can be given up to 3 times/day. Glycomet SR tablet is a slow release/extended release preparation. It metabolises more slowly than immediate release preparation. The maximum concentration of the drug is noticed about 7 hours after taking the drug. Hence it can be given as once or twice daily dosing. Immediate release Metformin can result in gastric side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea etc. These side effects are not seen with Slow release Metformin, but slow release tablet can be costly than plain immediate release Metformin. So if you want you can start with plain Glycomet and see, if you are having any side effects you can switch to Glycomet SR. Hope this helps you. Thank you. 

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Dr. Prabhakar Laxman JatharEndocrinologist46yrs exp

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lybrate-user, Both Glycomet 500 mg and 500 mg SR tablets contain same medication Metformin 500 mg. The difference is SR has a formulation which releases the drug over 6 to 8 hours. One of the advantage claimed is SR tends to be better tolerated. Some patients complain of gastrointestinal side effects, then SR is advised. As regards drug action both are same. Thanks. 

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