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Metformin

Metformin ER 500 mg · Tablet

Prescription ANDA TE AB1 Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Metformin
Generic name
Metformin ER 500 mg
Dosage form
Tablet
Route
Oral
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
2
Packages
11
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg/1 860975 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
13

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Biguanide [EPC] EPC All 47 members
Biguanides [CS] CS All 47 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
209313
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
March 16, 2018
Sponsor
GRANULES
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
4
Products approved under application 209313.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
209313-001 METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB1
209313-002 METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB1
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 209313.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 32 Labeling Approved August 11, 2026 Standard
Supplement 11 Labeling Approved July 27, 2026 Standard
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved January 14, 2019 Standard
Original application 1 Approved March 16, 2018 Standard

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20240610). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240610

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS & USAGE Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION There is no fixed dosage regimen for the management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP or any other pharmacologic agent. Dosage of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP must be individualized on the basis of both effectiveness and tolerance, while not exceeding the maximum recommended daily doses. The maximum recommended daily dose of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP in adults is 2000 mg. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP should generally be given once daily with the evening meal. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP should be started at a low dose, with gradual dose escalation, both to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and to permit identification of the minimum dose required for adequate glycemic control of the patient. During treatment initiation and dose titration (see Recommended Dosing Schedule), fasting plasma glucose should be used to determine the therapeutic response to metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP and identify the minimum effective dose for the patient. Thereafter, glycosylated hemoglobin should be measured at intervals of approximately 3 months. The therapeutic goal should be to decrease both fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels to normal or near normal by using the lowest effective dose of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP either when used as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin. Monitoring of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin will also permit detection of primary failure, i.e., inadequate lowering of blood glucose at the maximum recommended dose of medication, and secondary failure, i.e., loss of an adequate blood glucose lowering response after an initial period of effectiveness. Short-term administration of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP may be sufficient during periods of transient loss of control in patients usually well-controlled on diet alone. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed. Occasionally, the inactive ingredients of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP will be eliminated in the feces as a soft, hydrated mass. (See Patient Information printed below.) Recommended Dosing Schedule Adults In general, clinically significant responses are not seen at doses below 1500 mg per day. However, a lower recommended starting dose and gradually increased dosage is advised to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms. The usual starting dose of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily with the evening meal. If glycemic control is not achieved on metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP 2000 mg once daily, a trial of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP 1000 mg twice daily should be considered. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY : Clinical Studies .) In a randomized trial, patients currently treated with metformin hydrochloride tablets were switched to metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Results of this trial suggest that patients receiving metformin hydrochloride tablets treatment may be safely switched to metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets once daily at the same total daily dose, up to 2000 mg once daily. Following a switch from metformin hydrochloride tablets to metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, glycemic control should be closely monitored and dosage adjustments made accordingly (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY : Clinical Studies ). Pediatrics Safety and effectiveness of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP in pediatric patients have not been established. Recommendations for Use in Renal Impairment Assess renal functio …

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP are contraindicated in patients with: 1. Severe Renal Impairment (eGFR below 30mL/min/1.73m2) (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). 2.Known hypersensitivity to metformin hydrochloride, USP. 3.Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin.

WARNINGS LACTIC ACIDOSIS: Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels(>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidenceof ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL (see PRECAUTIONS ). Risk factors for metformin associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concamitent use of certain drugs (e.g carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , CONTRAINDICATIONS , AND PRECAUTIONS ). If metformin associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue metformin hydrochloride extend release tablets and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS In A US double blind clinical study of metformin hydrochloride tablets in patients with type 2 diabetes, a total of 141 patients received metformin hydrochloride tablets therapy (up to 2550 mg per day) and 145 patients received placebo. Adverse reactions reported in greater than 5% of the metformin hydrochloride tablets patients, and that were more common in metformin hydrochloride tablets than placebo treated patients, are listed in Table 6. Table 6: Most Common Adverse Reactions (>5 Percent) in a Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets Monotherapy* Adverse Reaction Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets (n=141) Placebo (n=145) % of Patients Diarrhea 53.2 11.7 Nausea/Vomiting 25.5 8.3 Flatulence 12.1 5.5 Asthenia 9.2 5.5 Indigestion 7.1 4.1 Abdominal Discomfort 6.4 4.8 Headache 5.7 4.8 *Reactions that were more common in metformin hydrochloride tablets than placebo treated patients. Diarrhea led to discontinuation of study medication in 6% of patients treated with metformin hydrochloride tablets. Additionally, the following adverse reactions were reported in ≥1 - ≤5% of metformin hydrochloride tablets patients and myalgia, lightheaded, dyspnea, nail disorder, rash, sweating increased, taste disorder, chest discomfort, chills, flu syndrome, flushing, and palpitation. In worldwide clinical trials over 900 patients with type 2 diabetes have been treated with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets in placebo and active controlled studies. In placebo controlled trails, 781 patients were administered metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and 195 patients received placebo. Adverse reactions reported in greater than 5% of the metformin hydrochloride extended release tablets patients, and that were more common in metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets than placebo treated patients are listed in Table 7. Table 7: Most Common Adverse Reactions (>5 Percent) in Placebo-Controlled Studies of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets* Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets(N=781) Placebo (N=195) Adverse Reactions % of patients Diarrhea 9.6 2.6 Nausea/Vomiting 6.5 1.5 Diarrhea led to discontinuation of study medication in 0.6% of patients treated with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Additionally, the following adverse reactions were reported in ≥1 - ≤5% of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets patients and were more commonly reported with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets than placebo: abdominal pain, constipation, distention abdomen, dyspepsia/heartburn, flatulence, dizziness, headache, upper respiratory infection, taste disturbance.*Reactions that were more common in metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets than placebo treated patients.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP are oral antihyperglycemic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride, USP (N,N-dimethyl-monohydrochloride,Imidodicarbonimidic diamide) is not chemically or pharmacologically related to any other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. The structural formula is as shown: Metformin hydrochloride, USP is a white or almost white, crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C4H11N5•HCl and a molecular weight of 165.62. Metformin hydrochloride is freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, practically insoluble in acetone and in Methylene chloride. The pKa of metformin is 12.4. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution of metformin hydrochloride is 6.35. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP contain 500 mg or 750 mg of metformin hydrochloride as the active ingredient. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP 500 mg and 750 mg tablets contain the inactive ingredients hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Dissolution Method: Test 10 System Components and Performance - Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP comprises a dual hydrophilic polymer matrix system. Metformin hydrochloride, USP is combined with a drug release controlling polymer to form an "inner" phase, which is then incorporated as discrete particles into an "external" phase of a second polymer. After administration, fluid from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract enters the tablet, causing the polymers to hydrate and swell. Drug is released slowly from the dosage form by a process of diffusion through the gel matrix that is essentially independent of pH. The hydrated polymer system is not rigid and is expected to be broken up by normal peristalsis in the GI tract. The biologically inert components of the tablet may occasionally remain intact during GI transit and will be eliminated in the feces as a soft, hydrated mass. metformin

OVERDOSAGE Overdose of metformin hydrochloride has occurred, including ingestion of amounts greater than 50 grams. Hypoglycemia was reported in approximately 10% of cases, but no causal association with metformin hydrochloride has been established. Lactic acidosis has been reported in approximately 32% of metformin overdose cases (see WARNINGS ). Metformin is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful for removal of accumulated drug from patients in whom metformin overdosage is suspected.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 500 mg Bottles of 30 NDC 70010-491-03 500 mg Bottles of 90 NDC 70010-491-09 500 mg Bottles of 100 NDC 70010-491-01 500 mg Bottles of 500 NDC 70010-491-05 500 mg Bottles of 1000 NDC 70010-491-10 750 mg Bottles of 30 NDC 70010-492-03 750 mg Bottles of 90 NDC 70010-492-09 750 mg Bottles of 100 NDC 70010-492-01 750 mg Bottles of 500 NDC 70010-492-05 750 mg Bottles of 1000 NDC 70010-492-10 Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 500 mg tablets are white to off-white uncoated, modified capsule shaped tablets debossed with “G7” on one side and plain on the other side. Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750 mg tablets are white to off-white uncoated, modified capsule shaped tablets debossed with “G8” on one side and plain on the other side. Storage Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F); excursions permitted within 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Dispense in light-resistant containers. Manufactured by: Granules India Limited Hyderabad-500 081, India Manufactured for: Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. Chantilly, VA 20151. Revision date: March 2020

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
91,381
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
50090-6515-0 50090-6515 A-S Medication Solutions 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-6515-0) June 2, 2023
50090-6515-1 50090-6515 A-S Medication Solutions 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-6515-1) June 2, 2023
50090-6515-2 50090-6515 A-S Medication Solutions 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-6515-2) June 2, 2023
50090-6515-3 50090-6515 A-S Medication Solutions 180 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-6515-3) June 2, 2023
50090-6515-4 50090-6515 A-S Medication Solutions 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-6515-4) June 2, 2023
71610-613-30 71610-613 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-613-30) May 2, 2024
71610-613-53 71610-613 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-613-53) June 4, 2024
71610-613-60 71610-613 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-613-60) November 2, 2021
71610-613-70 71610-613 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 120 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-613-70) March 1, 2024
71610-613-80 71610-613 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 180 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-613-80) November 2, 2021
71610-613-94 71610-613 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 360 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-613-94) November 2, 2021
50090-6515 50090-6515 A-S Medication Solutions — July 31, 2018
71610-613 71610-613 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC — July 31, 2018

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.