Metformin

Generic Name: Metformin

Brand Names: Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucovance, Glumetza, Glycon, Invokamet, Janumet, Jentadueto, Kazano, Kombiglyze, Komboglyze, Qternmet, Riomet, Segluromet, Synjardy, Trijardy, Velmetia, Xigduo, Sitagliptin / Metformin hydrochloride Accord, Vildagliptin / Metformin hydrochloride Accord

Drug Type: Small Molecule

Chemical Formula: C_₄H_₁₁N_₅

CAS Number: 657-24-9

Unique Ingredient Identifier: 9100L32L2N

Overview

Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent and first-line pharmacotherapy used in the management of type II diabetes. Metformin is considered an antihyperglycemic drug because it lowers blood glucose concentrations in type II diabetes without causing hypoglycemia. It is commonly described as an "insulin sensitizer", leading to a decrease in insulin resistance and a clinically significant reduction of plasma fasting insulin levels. Another well-known benefit of this drug is modest weight loss, making it an effective choice for obese patients type II diabetes. Metformin was first approved in Canada in 1972, and received subsequent FDA approval in the US in 1995.

Background

Indication

Metformin immediate-release formulations Metformin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients ≥10 years old with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin extended-release tablet (XR) The extended-release formulation of metformin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Safety in children has not been determined to this date. Metformin combination products Metformin is a component of a variety of combination products with other anti-diabetic agents. It is indicated, along with diet and exercise, to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in combination with DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin, or saxagliptin), in combination with SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, or dapagliflozin), or in combination with pioglitazone.

Associated Conditions

Cardiovascular Mortality
End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Hospitalizations
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate

Research Report

Published: May 14, 2025

Metformin Report

Name: Metformin Name (English): Metformin DrugBank ID: DB00331 Type: Small Molecule CAS Number: 657-24-9

General Information: Metformin is an oral antihyperglycemic agent of the biguanide class, primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is often considered the first-line medication for this condition, especially in overweight individuals. Metformin can also be used off-label for insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Pharmacology: Metformin works by:

Decreasing hepatic glucose production.
Increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.
Improving glucose uptake and utilization.
Increasing GDF15 secretion, which reduces appetite and caloric intake.

Indications:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and pediatric patients ≥10 years old, as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
May be used as a second-line agent for infertility in women with PCOS.
Investigational use for other conditions such as type 1 diabetes, obesity, and various cancers is ongoing.

Dosage and Administration: Dosage varies depending on the formulation (immediate-release or extended-release) and individual patient needs. It is typically taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Contraindications: