Metformin hydrochloride

Medication used to treat type 2 diabetes

CaptionSynonyms

Metformin hydrochloride

Drug Information
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Metformin hydrochloride is an oral hypoglycemic agent used primarily in the management of type 2 diabetes. It is the hydrochloride salt form of metformin, a biguanide class medication. Metformin hydrochloride is marketed under various trade names, including Glucophage.

Mechanism of Action

Metformin hydrochloride works by decreasing hepatic glucose production, decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. It does not cause insulin release from the pancreas and thus does not cause hypoglycemia.

Medical Uses

Metformin hydrochloride is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also used off-label for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and has been investigated for potential benefits in other conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Side Effects

Common side effects of metformin hydrochloride include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. A rare but serious side effect is lactic acidosis, which can be fatal.

Contraindications

Metformin hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment, known hypersensitivity to metformin, and conditions associated with increased risk of lactic acidosis, such as severe heart failure or sepsis.

Pharmacokinetics

Metformin hydrochloride is absorbed primarily from the small intestine. It is not metabolized and is excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life is approximately 4 to 8.7 hours.

Related Pages

• Type 2 diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Hypoglycemia
• Lactic acidosis

See Also

• Biguanide
• Oral hypoglycemic agent
• Glucophage