Metformin is a generic prescription drug used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The drug comes as an oral tablet you swallow. It’s usually taken once or twice a day.

Metformin is used in adults and certain children to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is used along with a diet and exercise plan as part of a complete treatment program.

Metformin belongs to a group of drugs called biguanides.

This article describes the dosages of metformin oral tablet, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about metformin, see this in-depth article.

Note: Metformin is also available as an oral solution. This article covers the oral tablet form of the drug. To learn more about the oral solution, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

This section describes the usual dosages of metformin. Keep reading to learn more.

What are metformin’s forms?

Metformin is available as an oral tablet that you swallow.

What strengths does metformin come in?

Metformin comes in different strengths:

  • 500 milligrams (mg)
  • 850 mg
  • 1,000 mg

What are the usual dosages of metformin?

Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage, then adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

The typical starting dosage of metformin for adults with type 2 diabetes is 500 mg taken twice per day or 850 mg taken once per day. These doses are taken with meals.

After this, your doctor may increase your dose by 500 mg every week or 850 mg every 2 weeks. The metformin maximum dose per day is 2,550 mg, taken in divided doses.

If your doctor prescribes a metformin dosage of more than 2,000 mg, they’ll likely recommend taking the medication three times per day in divided doses with meals to help you better tolerate it.

What’s the dosage of metformin for children?

Metformin is used to help manage blood sugar levels in children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.

The starting dosage of metformin in children is 500 mg taken twice per day with meals. After this, your child’s doctor may increase their dosage by 500 mg weekly.

Metformin’s maximum daily dose in children is 2,000 mg, taken in divided doses twice per day. For example, a possible maximum dosage for a child could be 1,000 mg taken twice daily.

For more information about metformin’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

How to take metformin

Metformin comes as oral tablets that you swallow. You’ll take your dose(s) of metformin with meals. The best time to take metformin depends on your dose and dosing scheduling. For example, you may be prescribed metformin once daily and could take it in the morning or evening after a meal.

Try to take the medication around the same time daily. This will help keep steady levels of metformin in your system for it to work to treat your condition.

If you have trouble swallowing pills, let your doctor know. They may prescribe metformin liquid oral solution for you.

For tips, you can also see this article on how to swallow pills.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dose or dosing schedule or how to take metformin.

Is metformin used long term?

Yes, metformin is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Do not take more metformin than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include lactic acidosis.

What to do in case you take too much metformin

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much metformin. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about metformin’s dosage.

Is metformin used for weight loss? If so, what is the metformin dosage for weight loss?

No. Metformin is approved to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise as part of a complete treatment program. It is not approved for use as a weight loss medication. However, taking metformin along with a diet and exercise regimen may help you lose some weight.

If you have questions about metformin and weight loss, talk with your doctor for more information.

What is the lowest dose of metformin you can take?

The lowest dose of metformin you can take depends on several factors. They include the severity of your condition, other medications you may be taking, your age, and other health conditions you may have.

Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage of metformin and seeing how you do with treatment. Then they may slowly increase your dose, based on your age and other factors, until you reach the dosage that’s right to manage your condition.

For more information, see the “What is metformin’s dosage?” section for more details.

If you have questions about your metformin dosage, talk with your doctor to learn more.

What is the metformin dosage for prediabetes?

Metformin is not approved for use in prediabetes. (Prediabetes is when you have higher than normal blood sugar levels but haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes). It is approved to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, metformin may be prescribed off-label to treat prediabetes, along with a diet and exercise program. (Off-label use is when a medication is prescribed for a purpose other than its approved uses.) Studies have shown that metformin may help lower the risk of diabetes in some people.

For more information about metformin and dosage for prediabetes, talk with your doctor.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.