Glumetza

Metformin

Clinical data
Pronunciation	/mɛtˈfɔːrmɪn/, met-FAWR-min
Trade names	Glucophage, other
Synonyms	N,N-dimethylbiguanide
AHFS/Drugs.com	Monograph
MedlinePlus	a696005
License data	EU EMA: by INN US FDA: metformin
Pregnancy category	AU: C US: B (No risk in non-human studies)
Routes of administration	by mouth
ATC code	A10BA02 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	AU: S4 (Prescription only) CA: ℞-only UK: POM (Prescription only) US: ℞-only
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	50–60%
Protein binding	Minimal
Metabolism	Not by liver
Biological half-life	4-8.7 hours
Excretion	Urine (90%)
Identifiers
IUPAC name N,N-Dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide
CAS Number	657-24-9 Y
PubChem CID	4091
IUPHAR/BPS	4779
DrugBank	DB00331
ChemSpider	3949 Y
UNII	9100L32L2N hydrochloride: 786Z46389E
KEGG	D04966 Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:6801 Y
ChEMBL	CHEMBL1431 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.010.472
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C4H11N5
Molar mass	129.16364 g/mol
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
SMILES CN(C)C(=N)NC(=N)N
InChI InChI=1S/C4H11N5/c1-9(2)4(7)8-3(5)6/h1-2H3,(H5,5,6,7,8) Key:XZWYZXLIPXDOLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y

Metformin, marketed under the trade name Glucophage among others, is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are overweight. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Limited evidence suggests metformin may prevent the cardiovascular disease and cancer complications of diabetes. It is not associated with weight gain. It is taken by mouth.

Metformin is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. It has a low risk of causing low blood sugar.High blood lactic acid level is a concern if the drug is prescribed inappropriately and in overly large doses. It should not be used in those with significant liver disease or kidney problems. While no clear harm comes from use during pregnancy, insulin is generally preferred for gestational diabetes. Metformin is in the biguanide class. It works by decreasing glucose production by the liver and increasing the insulin sensitivity of body tissues.

Metformin was discovered in 1922. French physician Jean Sterne began study in humans in the 1950s. It was introduced as a medication in France in 1957 and the United States in 1995. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Metformin is believed to be the most widely used medication for diabetes which is taken by mouth. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale price in the developed world is between 0.21 and 5.55 USD per month as of 2014. In the United States, it costs 5 to 25 USD per month.