When you take metformin can be almost as important as whether you take metformin at all.
This article will explain everything you need to know about the best time to take metformin.
Key facts
- It’s essential to take metformin at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness.
- While the exact timing can vary based on individual needs, keeping a regular schedule helps ensure the drug works properly and you get the best/maximum results from the medication.
- Taking metformin with or after meals can help reduce potential side effects such as nausea and upset stomach. Many people find taking their dose with their evening meal beneficial, allowing the medication to work overnight.
- If you also use insulin, avoid taking metformin immediately before exercise to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.
- While metformin can be taken on an empty stomach, doing so may cause nausea, especially if only accompanied by coffee or during fasting periods.
Table of Contents
When is the best time to take metformin?
Some times of day are better for taking metformin than others. These hints may help you settle on a good schedule for how to take metformin (but be sure to work with your doctor to figure out when is the best time for you to take your medicine).
Lean into consistency
First and foremost, the most ideal time to take metformin is at a time each day that you are most likely to remember to take it.
The key to taking metformin — or any prescription drug — is consistency because if you cannot routinely remember to take your medications, they will not be helpful. So, it’s best to take your metformin at the same time every day.
And remember, what works for you may not work for someone else, so make sure that when and how you take your metformin is based on what works best for you and your personal needs.
Know that taking metformin with or after a meal can curb side effects
Metformin can be taken with or without food. However, if you’re prone to its side effects, such as nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting, it is best to take metformin with or after a meal.
This will make it less likely that you’ll experience side effects and make metformin easier to digest.
Many people take their daily metformin with or after their evening meal, letting the medication work all night to lower blood sugar levels without the side effects.
Do not take metformin before exercise if you are on insulin
If you’re on insulin, taking metformin right before you exercise can increase the likelihood of experiencing low blood sugar, which can be particularly dangerous. Symptoms of low blood sugar during exercise include dizziness, confusion, and fatigue, which may impair your ability to safely complete your workout.
Additionally, low blood sugar can slow wound healing and increase the risk of injuries. To help prevent these issues, it’s recommended to take metformin several hours before or after you’ve finished exercising.
Be wary of taking metformin on an empty stomach
Taking all of your medications first thing in the morning may be the easiest way to remember to take them daily. However, if you take metformin on an empty stomach (or only with coffee), it may cause nausea that can persist throughout the day.
To avoid this, consider taking metformin after a light morning snack, such as a piece of toast or a small bowl of oatmeal. This can help mitigate nausea without requiring a full, robust breakfast.
However, if you’re fasting for blood work, a procedure, or doing intermittent fasting (IF), metformin is safe to take on an empty stomach.
Frequently asked questions
What if I forget to take a dose of metformin?
If you forget to take your daily dose of metformin, skip your missed dose and simply take your next one at your regularly scheduled time.
Never take two doses as a way to make up for a lost dose. Missing one dose will not harm you or increase your blood sugar levels.
I’ve taken too much metformin; what do I do?
Metformin is generally safe, but taking too much metformin can cause negative side effects like extreme nausea, vomiting, stomachache, dangerously low blood sugar levels, feeling cold, shallow breathing, sleepiness, weakness, and fatigue.
Call your doctor or 911 if you’ve taken too much metformin and are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Is it better to take metformin in the morning or at night?
Metformin is best taken with a meal, so whether that’s a morning or evening meal is up to you. However, many people with diabetes experience the dawn phenomenon, or an early-morning rise in blood sugar.
So, what is the benefit of taking metformin at night? Taking your metformin with an evening meal can help alleviate the next day’s morning high blood sugar levels, whereas if you take it in the morning, you may be dealing with higher blood sugar when you wake up.
Recent studies, including research from 2023, show that the time you take metformin can affect how well it works and how it makes you feel. These studies suggest that taking metformin at the right time, based on your body’s natural rhythms, can help it work better and reduce side effects.
What do I do if I take metformin twice per day?
You can take your first dose in the morning with breakfast and your second dose in the evening with dinner.
How do I store metformin?
It is best to keep metformin locked away from children in a sealed container at room temperature.
Do not put metformin in the freezer, and keep it away from heat, light, and moisture.
Always check expiration dates, and do not take expired medicine. Talk with your doctor about disposing of any old or expired medications that you can no longer use.
