{"id":627884,"date":"2024-05-14T09:30:35","date_gmt":"2024-05-14T13:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627884"},"modified":"2025-10-30T16:28:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T20:28:26","slug":"best-time-to-take-metformin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-time-to-take-metformin\/","title":{"rendered":"When is the best time to take metformin?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metformin is an FDA-approved prescription drug for treating Type 2 diabetes. It is also sold under brand names like Glucophage, Fortamet, and Glumetza and belongs to a class of medications called biguanides. It is sometimes used off-label to prevent weight gain, manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and treat or prevent gestational diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Metformin<\/span><\/a> has a variety of actions on the body that help the body regulate blood sugar (glucose),\u201d says <\/span>Emily Dornblaser<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., an associate professor of pharmacy at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. <\/span>It works to reduce high blood sugar levels by<\/span><\/a> increasing the body\u2019s response to <\/span>insulin<\/span><\/a>. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels by enabling the entry of glucose from the blood into the cells, where it can be used for energy. This medication is best taken with meals to help make it a part of your daily routine and reduce the chances of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

When is the best time to take metformin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cMetformin is generally prescribed to be taken with meals (e.g., breakfast and evening meal) twice daily,\u201d says <\/span>David Cutler<\/span><\/a>, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. \u201cThere is also a long-acting preparation of metformin, which can be taken once daily.\u201d If you\u2019re prescribed extended-release metformin once daily, it is <\/span>best taken with your largest meal of the day<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can take metformin at any time of day. Morning and evening doses sync up with a meal, making them easier to remember and more convenient than taking medication at lunchtime, for instance. Experts recommend taking your prescription around the same time every day, so it becomes part of your daily routine.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, taking your medication with a meal, especially in the middle of the meal, instead of on an empty stomach can reduce the risk of <\/span>low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)<\/span><\/a> and the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects <\/span>like nausea<\/span><\/a>, bloating, and flatulence. <\/span>Sleep disturbances<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>nightmares<\/span><\/a> are rare side effects of metformin. If you experience these adverse effects, it\u2019s best to avoid taking metformin very close to bedtime.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tMetformin 500 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.32\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.32\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Metformin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

What if I miss a dose of metformin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you forget to take metformin, skip your missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Don\u2019t take two doses together; continue with your regular dosage schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you often forget your medication, consider implementing strategies to help you remember. For example, set a recurring alarm on your phone or download an app that will send you reminders.\\<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the side effects of metformin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Like most medications, metformin has some potential side effects that are more likely to occur when you first start taking the medication and tend to stop or reduce when your body gets used to the medication.<\/span>
\n<\/span>The most common side effects of metformin <\/span>include<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n