Okamet 500
Okamet 500 is a tablet made by Cipla that contains Metformin 500 mg. Metformin is a diabetes medicine (biguanide): lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, mainly by reducing sugar made by the liver.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Metformin | 500 mg |
What it is used for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, mainly by reducing sugar made by the liver.
How it works
The usual first medicine for type 2 diabetes. It lowers the amount of sugar the liver releases and helps the body respond to insulin. On its own it rarely causes low blood sugar and does not cause weight gain.
How to take it
Take with or just after meals to reduce stomach upset; start low (500 mg) and increase slowly. Slow-release tablets are gentler. Keep taking it unless your doctor says to stop.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Metallic taste
- Reduced appetite
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe vomiting, fast breathing, muscle pain and unusual drowsiness (rare lactic acidosis)
- Tingling feet or tiredness after years of use (low vitamin B12)
Be careful
Take with food; can cause stomach upset. Stop before scans with contrast or surgery if told.
Other medicines and interactions
Doctors pause it before scans with iodine contrast and before major surgery, and during dehydrating illness (vomiting, diarrhoea). Heavy alcohol raises lactic acidosis risk.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Sometimes continued in pregnancy under specialist care; insulin is often used. Considered acceptable while breastfeeding.
Same composition, other brands (12)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.
Same ingredients, different strength or form
Common questions
What is Okamet 500?
Okamet 500 is a tablet by Cipla containing Metformin 500 mg.
What is Okamet 500 used for?
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, mainly by reducing sugar made by the liver.
How should I take Okamet 500?
Take with or just after meals to reduce stomach upset; start low (500 mg) and increase slowly. Slow-release tablets are gentler. Keep taking it unless your doctor says to stop. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Okamet 500?
Common side effects include: Diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, metallic taste, reduced appetite. Get medical help straight away for: Severe vomiting, fast breathing, muscle pain and unusual drowsiness (rare lactic acidosis), tingling feet or tiredness after years of use (low vitamin B12).
Does Okamet 500 need a prescription?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Can I take Okamet 500 in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Sometimes continued in pregnancy under specialist care; insulin is often used. Considered acceptable while breastfeeding.
What are the substitutes for Okamet 500?
Brands with the same composition: Glycomet 500, Glyciphage 500, Obimet 500, Gluconorm 500, Gluformin 500, Metatime 500, Zomet 500, Forson 500, Bigomet 500, Xmet 500, Walaphage 500, Melmet 500. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Sources and further reading
- Metformin: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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