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Metformin hydrochloride

Metformin
Metformin.svg
Metformin-from-xtal-3D-balls.png
Clinical data
Pronunciation /mɛtˈfɔːrmn/, met-FAWR-min
Trade names Glucophage, other
AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph
MedlinePlus a696005
License data
Pregnancy
category
  • AU: C
  • US: B (No risk in non-human studies)
Routes of
administration
by mouth
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 50–60%
Protein binding Minimal
Metabolism Not by liver
Biological half-life 4-8.7 hours
Excretion Urine (90%)
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ECHA InfoCard 100.010.472
Chemical and physical data
Formula C4H11N5
Molar mass 129.16364 g/mol
3D model (Jmol)

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 developing 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.


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