These instructions need to come from your doctor. However, it is common practice to increase medication dose to help control blood sugar (the maximum dose of metformin is about 2500 mg/day, in split doses). However, the maximum daily dose of Metformin should not exceed 2.5 mg. After two weeks of taking Metformin, carbohydrate metabolism can be expected to begin to return to normal. After reaching normal blood sugar levels, Metformin dosage can be gradually reduced. Metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet) is a prescription drug used for treating type 2 diabetes in adults and children. Side effects, storage and dosing information, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety are provided. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Metformin alone: At first, 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day taken with the morning and evening meals, or 850 mg a day taken with the morning meal. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. Later, your doctor may want you to take 500 or 850 mg two to three times a day with meals. However, the dose is usually not more than 2550 mg per day. The recommended starting dosage of metformin is 500 mg twice daily. The maximum dosage for children age 10 to 16 is 2000 mg, and for adults age 17 and older is 2550 mg. Adult Dosage. GLUCOPHAGE. The recommended starting dose of GLUCOPHAGE is 500 mg orally twice a day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals. Increase the dose in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks on the basis of glycemic control and tolerability, up to a maximum dose of 2550 mg per day, given in divided doses. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis has been characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (greater than 5 mmol/L) anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, and metformin plasma levels generally greater than 5 mcg/mL. Metformin Dosage. There have been no human studies to identify the optimal dose of metformin that is needed to duplicate the beneficial gene expression effects that are described in the June 2003 issue of Life Extension magazine.