Metformin, sold under the brand name Glucophage, among others, is the main first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Facts
Drug ClassAntidiabetic agent (biguanide) 1 Mechanism of ActionDecreases glucose production in the liver, increases insulin sensitivity of body tissues, and increases GDF15 secretion to reduce appetite and caloric intake. 1 Approved UseFirst-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskDiarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain; risk of lactic acidosis at high doses or with severe kidney impairment. 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountA: Alimentary Tract and Metabolism 2 Route of Administration WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account Connections
Treats
Metformin is commonly used off-label to manage insulin resistance in PCOS.
Source Metformin (Wikipedia)
Source Metformin (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Metformin (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
main first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Infobox, drug class
Antidiabetic agent
Pharmacology section
Decreases glucose production in the liver, increases insulin sensitivity
History section
Approved by U.S. FDA in 1994
Adverse effects section
High blood lactic acid level (lactic acidosis) is a concern
Lead section, route-of-administration statement
Metformin is taken by mouth.
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source 2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code AQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code A
Alimentary tract and metabolism
3. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Hypoglycaemic agents sectionQuote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Hypoglycaemic agents section
Metformin
Frequently Asked Questions
Who first described metformin, and when did it become a medicine?
First described in 1922 by Emil Werner and James Bell; introduced as a medication in France in 1957.
Metformin was first described in the scientific literature in 1922 by Emil Werner and James Bell. French physician Jean Sterne began the study in humans in the 1950s. It was introduced as a medication in France in 1957.
Why is metformin restricted in people with severe kidney disease?
Because of the rare but serious risk of lactic acidosis, which seems related to impaired kidney or liver function.
The most serious potential adverse effect of metformin is lactic acidosis; this complication is rare, and seems to be related to impaired liver or kidney function. Metformin is not approved for use in those with severe kidney disease, but may still be used at lower doses in those with kidney problems. Because of concerns about potential lactic acidosis, the US Food and Drug Administration recommends avoiding its use in more severe chronic kidney disease, below an eGFR cutoff of 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.