Change from Glucophage to Metformin

[bodo]

I'm going to change from Glucophage XR 1000 mg (extended release metformin) once a day to Metformin 500 mg (direct release) twice a day.

Does Metformin 500 mg twice a day equal Glucophage XR 1000 mg once a day, approximately?

Or not?

[Zaphod Priest]

They are both the same active ingredient, and 2 x 500 mg = 1000 mg.

 

One also needs to consider the levels of the drug in the body.  However, metformin has a long half life (about 17 hours), so the level should be pretty consistent, even without XR.