No, Gilran is not the same as metformin. Although both these oral medicines are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the way they work to reduce the sugar levels are different. While Gilran acts by increasing the secretion of insulin by the pancreas, metformin acts by improving the functioning and effectiveness of the insulin already available in the body.

No, Gilran is not harmful if your kidney function is normal. Any previous case of kidney problem should be informed to the doctor, so that the use of Gilran can be assessed. This is done in order to analyze whether Gilran can be given or not because it is principally excreted by the kidney. If you have kidney problems you will be started at a lower dose.

Take Gilran before meals or exactly as instructed by your doctor. There is evidence stating that Gilran works best at controlling post meal high blood sugar levels when taken 30 minutes before breakfast. So, if you are supposed to take it once daily, take it in the morning before breakfast with a glass of water.

Yes, Gilran and metformin can be taken at the same time but only if prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor may have prescribed taking the two together to control your uncontrolled sugar levels. However, taking the two together may cause low blood sugar which may also occur if you delay or miss a meal, exercise more than usual or take it with insulin. Follow the instructions given by your doctor strictly to avoid such complications.