What is Incontrol 500mg used for? An essential guide to avoiding confusion

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

The name 'Incontrol 500mg' is not standard and can cause dangerous confusion, as it may refer to different medications, including a combination drug for type 2 diabetes or be mistakenly associated with an alcohol deterrent like disulfiram. This guide explains the different potential uses and emphasizes the critical importance of confirming the correct medication with a healthcare professional.

Quick Summary

Several different medications might be referred to as 'Incontrol 500mg', often containing metformin for type 2 diabetes or, in rare cases, confused with disulfiram, an alcohol aversion drug. This article clarifies these differences and highlights patient safety protocols.

Key Points

Ambiguous Drug Name: The term 'Incontrol 500mg' is ambiguous and could refer to different medications, requiring patients to verify with a doctor.
Diabetes Management: Some medications under this name, like Incontrol V (Metformin + Voglibose) or In Control (Metformin), are used for controlling type 2 diabetes.
Alcohol Aversion: The 500mg dose can be associated with Disulfiram (Antabuse), a drug for alcohol dependence, but is not the same as 'Incontrol'.
Confirm Ingredients: Patients should always check the active ingredients of their medication to distinguish between different treatments and prevent dangerous mix-ups.
Alcohol Warning: Consuming alcohol while on disulfiram causes a severe, unpleasant reaction, a risk not present in the same way with diabetes medications, although excessive alcohol should be avoided with those too.
Lactic Acidosis Risk: Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious side effect associated with metformin, an ingredient in diabetes medications potentially named 'Incontrol 500mg'.
Consult a Professional: Due to the high risk of confusion, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for clarification on any medication.

The Confusion Surrounding 'Incontrol 500mg'

Navigating medication names can be complex, and brand names can vary significantly between countries and manufacturers. The query 'What is Incontrol 500mg used for?' brings up search results for two entirely different therapeutic agents, one for type 2 diabetes and another, a common cause of confusion, for alcohol dependence. It is essential for patients to understand which medication they are taking by checking the full name, active ingredients, and consulting their doctor.

Potential Medications Associated with 'Incontrol 500mg'

Incontrol V 500mg/0.2mg Tablet

One common product found under a similar name is Incontrol V 500mg/0.2mg Tablet, a combination medication prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The two active ingredients work together to control blood sugar levels.

Active Ingredients: This formulation contains Metformin (500mg) and Voglibose (0.2mg).
How it Works: Metformin, a biguanide, reduces glucose production in the liver, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin. Voglibose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, works by delaying the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, which helps prevent a spike in blood sugar after meals.
Uses: It is used in adults with type 2 diabetes, especially when diet, exercise, or a single medication are insufficient to control blood sugar. It may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.

In Control 500mg Tablet

A product called In Control 500mg contains only Metformin (500mg), a widely used and effective oral anti-diabetic medication.

Active Ingredient: Metformin (500mg).
How it Works: It functions identically to the Metformin component of Incontrol V, primarily by reducing glucose production from the liver and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Uses: Besides treating type 2 diabetes, single-ingredient metformin is sometimes used to manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women by helping to regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility.

Disulfiram 500mg (Antabuse)

Another entirely different medication that comes in a 500mg dose is disulfiram, known by the brand name Antabuse. While it has no connection to the 'Incontrol' name, the similar dosage can cause dangerous confusion. Patients must never confuse their diabetes medication with this drug.

Active Ingredient: Disulfiram (500mg).
How it Works: Disulfiram treats chronic alcohol dependence by creating a strong deterrent to drinking. It interferes with the body's metabolism of alcohol, causing a buildup of a toxic substance called acetaldehyde.
Reaction with Alcohol: If a person consumes alcohol while taking disulfiram, they experience extremely unpleasant side effects, including flushing, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and a rapid heartbeat. This reaction can last for an hour or more and occurs even with small amounts of alcohol.
Important Warning: Excessive alcohol consumption with disulfiram can be fatal.

Comparison of Incontrol and Disulfiram 500mg

To help clarify the differences, the table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the common medications involved.


Feature	Incontrol V 500mg/0.2mg	In Control 500mg	Disulfiram 500mg (Antabuse)
Primary Use	Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus	Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, PCOS	Alcohol Use Disorder
Active Ingredients	Metformin (500mg), Voglibose (0.2mg)	Metformin (500mg)	Disulfiram (500mg)
Mechanism	Decreases glucose production (Metformin), delays carbohydrate absorption (Voglibose)	Decreases glucose production, enhances insulin sensitivity	Inhibits alcohol metabolism, causing toxic acetaldehyde buildup
Alcohol Interaction	Avoid excessive alcohol due to risk of lactic acidosis	Avoid excessive alcohol due to risk of lactic acidosis	Severe, unpleasant reaction; do not consume any alcohol
Key Risks	Lactic acidosis (rare), hypoglycemia when combined with other drugs	Lactic acidosis (rare), hypoglycemia when combined with other drugs	Severe reaction with alcohol, liver damage (rare), neurological effects

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most side effects from diabetes medication are manageable, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. For both Incontrol V and In Control, a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis can occur. Symptoms include deep and rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and severe tiredness.

For disulfiram, any severe reaction after accidental alcohol consumption warrants prompt medical help. Additionally, symptoms of potential liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and persistent abdominal pain, should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Conclusion: Prioritize Patient Safety

It is clear from the pharmacology that the term 'Incontrol 500mg' is not a specific drug but an ambiguous descriptor that can lead to confusion between vastly different medications. Always refer to your full prescription details and confirm the active ingredients with your healthcare provider. Understanding the correct purpose and risks associated with any medication is vital for patient safety and effective treatment, particularly for conditions like type 2 diabetes and alcohol dependence where medication adherence and specific precautions are essential for managing the condition and preventing serious complications. For comprehensive information on disulfiram and alcohol use disorder, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The name 'Incontrol 500mg' is ambiguous. Medications with similar names, like Incontrol V, are used for type 2 diabetes. However, patients might confuse it with Disulfiram (Antabuse), which is used for alcohol dependence and also comes in a 500mg dose. You must confirm with your doctor based on the active ingredients.

Incontrol V 500mg/0.2mg is a combination drug containing 500mg of Metformin and 0.2mg of Voglibose. These two anti-diabetic agents work together to help manage blood sugar levels.

Excessive alcohol consumption while taking Metformin (found in Incontrol V) can increase the risk of a serious and rare condition called lactic acidosis. It is important to avoid heavy drinking while on this medication.

Drinking alcohol while taking disulfiram causes a severe and unpleasant reaction, including flushing, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and a rapid heartbeat. This is the intended effect of the medication to deter alcohol use.

Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. These often subside as your body adjusts to the medication.

Yes, Metformin 500mg, which is a component of some 'Incontrol' products, is sometimes prescribed for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to help regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility.

Always check the full prescription label for the active ingredients and confirm with your doctor or pharmacist. Due to potential name confusion, it is unsafe to rely solely on a partial brand name like 'Incontrol 500mg'.

No, you should never stop taking a diabetes medication like Incontrol V or In Control without consulting your doctor. Discontinuing treatment could cause your blood sugar levels to rise, leading to serious complications over time.

The primary danger lies in the severe and potentially life-threatening reaction if you consume alcohol while taking disulfiram, mistakenly believing it to be a diabetes drug. Such confusion could lead to severe illness or death.