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Suggest Dosage For Metformin In An Elderly Person

Posted on Tue, 27 Sep 2016

Question: I am an 84 year old white male in excellent health. After long trips I rely-on Metaformin for insomnia. My pharmacist tells me I can take 15 to 20 MG as Metaformin is not habit forming. nor toxic. Your opinion ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please confirm name of Medicine.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question.
Please confirm name of medicine.
According to my knowledge there is no drug like Metaformin.

Metaformin is an antidiabetic drug usually available in the strength of 250mg, 500mg, 850mg or 1 gram. And not a sleeping pill and not available in 15 or 20mg.

Get back with appropriate information.

Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (9 hours later)

My mistake. Medication is Melatonin.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Melatonin is a Hormone.

Detailed Answer:
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by pineal gland in brain.
It is important for normal sleep awake cycle.

It rarely has any significant side effect when used for short time.
Also do not have habit forming potential.

I may suggest its use for 4 to 5 days as and when required basis (as you have mentioned after travelling for longer duration).

If you are on some other medicines like that for blood pressure, diabetes, depression, related to blood clotting then it will be better for you to discus its use with your treating doctor.

Hope this helps you.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad