| Drug Name |
Metformin |
| Drug ID |
BADD_D01401 |
| Description |
Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent of the _biguanide_ class, used for the management of type II diabetes) [FDA label]. Currently, metformin is the first drug of choice for the management of type II diabetes and is prescribed to at least 120 million people worldwide [A176173].
Metformin is considered an antihyperglycemic drug because it lowers blood glucose concentrations in type II diabetes without causing hypoglycemia. Metformin is commonly described as an _insulin sensitizer_ leading to a decrease in insulin resistance and a clinically significant reduction of plasma fasting insulin levels [A176173]. Another well-known benefit of this drug is modest weight loss. Metformin is the drug of choice for obese type II diabetes patients [A36559].
Metformin was first approved in Canada in 1972 [A36552], followed by 1995 in the USA [FDA label]. This drug is available in regular and extended-release forms [FDA label]. |
| Indications and Usage |
For use as an adjunct to diet and exercise in adult patients (18 years and older) with NIDDM. May also be used for the management of metabolic and reproductive abnormalities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Jentadueto is for the treatment of patients when both linagliptin and metformin is appropriate. |
| Marketing Status |
Prescription; Discontinued |
| ATC Code |
A10BA02 |
| DrugBank ID |
DB00331
|
| KEGG ID |
D04966
|
| MeSH ID |
D008687
|
| PubChem ID |
4091
|
| TTD Drug ID |
D0D7LA
|
| NDC Product Code |
0615-8105; 52493-334; 50742-633; 0378-6001; 50742-634; 0378-6002; 60155-001 |
| Synonyms |
Metformin | Dimethylbiguanidine | Dimethylguanylguanidine | Glucophage | Metformin Hydrochloride | Hydrochloride, Metformin | Metformin HCl | HCl, Metformin |
