Phenformin

Phenformin is an antidiabetic drug from the biguanide class. It was withdrawn from many countries due to the risk of lactic acidosis.

History[edit | edit source]

Phenformin was discovered in 1957 by the German company Deutsche Pharm. It was introduced to the United States market under the trade name "DBI" by Ciba-Geigy in 1959. However, it was withdrawn from most countries in the late 1970s due to a high risk of lactic acidosis.

Medical uses[edit | edit source]

Phenformin is used as an antidiabetic drug in the management of type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and by making the body more sensitive to insulin.

Side effects[edit | edit source]

The most serious side effect of phenformin is lactic acidosis. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

Mechanism of action[edit | edit source]

Phenformin's primary mechanism of action is by decreasing hepatic glucose production. It also increases insulin sensitivity, enhances peripheral glucose uptake, increases the oxidative capacity of liver, muscle and adipose tissue, and decreases absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract.

See also[edit | edit source]

Phenformin Resources
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