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Does Metformin HCL ER Work If It Doesn T Get Dissolved In The Stomach?

I have had a number of incidents of my Metformin HCL ER 500 MG Tablets not digesting. I have read that it is supposedly the Shell or outside covering that I am seeing. But I happen to know that it was not the shell in my case. Did a dissection on two of them (Yeah eww, I know) but they were solid and had passed within 2 -4 hours after taking with food. Not sure how it is supposed to work if it isn t dissolving in my system.
posted on Mon, 27 Feb 2017
Twitter Tue, 18 Sep 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 20 Sep 2018 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

Metformin hcl extended release tablets, comprises a dual hydrophilic polymer matrix system. Metformin hcl 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. The drug is released slowly from the dosage form by a process of diffusion through the gel matrix that is essentially independent of pH.

This hydrated polymer not rigid it may broke with peristalsis. Please check your blood sugar is controlled or not if there's is improvement then don't worry. I think I answered to your question if you have more questions feel free to ask.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu ,
Internal Medicine Specialist
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Does Metformin HCL ER Work If It Doesn T Get Dissolved In The Stomach?

Hello, Metformin hcl extended release tablets, comprises a dual hydrophilic polymer matrix system. Metformin hcl 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. The drug is released slowly from the dosage form by a process of diffusion through the gel matrix that is essentially independent of pH. This hydrated polymer not rigid it may broke with peristalsis. Please check your blood sugar is controlled or not if there s is improvement then don t worry. I think I answered to your question if you have more questions feel free to ask. Hope I have answered your query. Regards, Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu , Internal Medicine Specialist