Metformin
Medication used to treat diabetes by reducing glucose levels / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Metformin, sold under the brand name Glucophage, among others, is the main first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes,[12][13][14][15] particularly in people who are overweight.[13] It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.[14] It is sometimes used as an off-label adjunct to lessen the risk of metabolic syndrome in people who take antipsychotics.[16] Metformin is not associated with weight gain[17] and is taken by mouth.[14]
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Pronunciation | /mɛtˈfɔːrmɪn/, met-FOR-min |
Trade names | Fortamet, Glucophage, Glumetza, others |
Other names | N,N-dimethylbiguanide[1] |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a696005 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth |
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Bioavailability | 50–60%[9][10] |
Protein binding | Minimal[9] |
Metabolism | Not by liver[9] |
Elimination half-life | 4–8.7 hours[9] |
Excretion | Urine (90%)[9] |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.010.472 |
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Formula | C4H11N5 |
Molar mass | 129.167 g·mol−1 |
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Density | 1.3±0.1[11] g/cm3 |
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Metformin is generally well tolerated.[18] Common adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.[14] It has a small risk of causing low blood sugar.[14] High blood lactic acid level (acidosis) is a concern if the medication is used in overly large doses or prescribed in people with severe kidney problems.[19][20]
Metformin is a biguanide anti-hyperglycemic agent.[14] It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver, increasing the insulin sensitivity of body tissues,[14] and increasing GDF15 secretion, which reduces appetite and caloric intake.[21][22][23][24]
Metformin was first described in scientific literature in 1922 by Emil Werner and James Bell.[25] French physician Jean Sterne began the study in humans in the 1950s.[25] It was introduced as a medication in France in 1957 and the United States in 1995.[14][26] Metformin is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines,[27] and is the most widely used medication for diabetes taken by mouth.[25] It is available as a generic medication.[14] In 2021, it was the second most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 91 million prescriptions.[28][29]