METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Biguanide

Brand names: Metformin Hydrochloride

Oral

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may decrease.

Indications

See full prescribing information

Contraindications

• including diabetic ketoacidosis
• with or without coma. Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) ( 4
• 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity to metformin ( 4 ) Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis
• including diabetic ketoacidosis
• with or without coma. ( 4 )

FDA Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Lactic Acidosis: See boxed warning
2 ) Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues: Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin and/or an insulin secretagogue
1 Lactic Acidosis There have been postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases
Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk

Known Side Effects

10 documented side effects by frequency

Nausea

>10%

Diarrhea

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Fatigue

1-10%

Vomiting

1-10%

Weight Loss

1-10%

Shortness of Breath

1-10%

Dizziness

1-10%

Headache

1-10%

Weakness

0.1-1%

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Compare With

9 available comparisons

Formulations

Dosage Forms

Tablet

Route

Oral