What is Metformin Hydrochloride
MetforminThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMetformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes without causing hypoglycemia. Metformin can also help with weight loss and reduce insulin resistance. It was first approved in Canada in 1972 and in the USA in 1995. Metformin is available in regular and extended-release forms.
Metformin Hydrochlorideis the brand name
Metformin Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Metformin Hydrochloride
Metformin
2002
1252
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Metformin, otherwise known as Metformin Hydrochloride, is approved by the FDA for 21 uses which include Chronic Kidney Disease and Diet .Chronic Kidney Disease
Used to treat Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in combination with Dapagliflozin
Diet
Used to treat Diet in combination with Dapagliflozin
Hospitalizations
Used to treat Hospitalizations in combination with Dapagliflozin
Ejection fraction decreased
Used to treat Ejection fraction decreased in combination with Dapagliflozin
Type 2 Diabetes
Used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in combination with Dapagliflozin
Congestive Heart Failure
Used to treat Heart Failure in combination with Dapagliflozin
Physical Activity
Used to treat Exercise in combination with Dapagliflozin
NYHA Functional Class II-IV Heart Failure
Used to treat NYHA Functional Class II-IV Heart Failure in combination with Dapagliflozin
Type 1 Diabetes
Used to treat Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in combination with Sitagliptin
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Used to treat Diabetic Ketoacidosis in combination with Saxagliptin
Cardiovascular Mortality
Used to treat Cardiovascular Mortality in combination with Dapagliflozin
inadequate response to sulfonylurea
Used to treat inadequate response to sulfonylurea in combination with Vildagliptin
diet and exercise
Used to treat diet and exercise in combination with Vildagliptin
inadequate response to recombinant human insulin
Used to treat inadequate response to recombinant human insulin in combination with Vildagliptin
decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate
Used to treat decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in combination with Dapagliflozin
inadequate response to metformin
Used to treat inadequate response to metformin in combination with Vildagliptin
uncontrolled diabetes
Used to treat uncontrolled diabetes in combination with Rosiglitazone
Cardiovascular Disease
Used to treat Cardiovascular Risk in combination with Dapagliflozin
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Used to treat previously treated with drugs in combination with Vildagliptin
Kidney Failure
Used to treat End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in combination with Dapagliflozin
Cardiovascular Diseases
Used to treat established cardiovascular disease in combination with Dapagliflozin
Effectiveness
How Metformin Hydrochloride Affects PatientsInsulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not respond to insulin as it should. Metformin helps by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing glucose absorption in the intestines, and improving how the body responds to insulin. Unlike other diabetes medications, metformin does not lead to high levels of insulin in the body. In a clinical trial of people with type 2 diabetes, metformin lowered fasting plasma glucose (blood sugar) levels by an average of 59 mg/dL and reduced HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) by 1
How Metformin Hydrochloride works in the bodyMetformin works differently than other diabetes medications. It helps lower blood glucose levels by reducing the amount of glucose produced in the liver, blocking the absorption of glucose in the intestines, and increasing the body's response to insulin. It does this by blocking an enzyme in the liver called mitochondrial complex I, which prevents it from producing energy. This activates an enzyme called AMPK, which helps to regulate glucose metabolism, inhibit fat production, and increase sensitivity to insulin. Metformin also increases the metabolism of glucose in intestinal cells, reducing the amount of glucose absorbed by the body. Finally, it increases the release of a hormone called GLP
When to interrupt dosage
The instructed dosage of Metformin Hydrochloride relies upon the established condition, such as Diet, inadequate response to metformin and Diabetic Ketoacidosis. The quantity of dosage is contingent upon the delivery approach (e.g. Oral or Tablet - Oral) noted in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
uncontrolled diabetes
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
diet and exercise not sufficient for diabetes control
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
Diet
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
Type 1 Diabetes
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
Physical Activity
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
inadequate response to metformin
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
Type 2 Diabetes
1000.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 500.0 mg, , 750.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.5 mg/mg, 780.0 mg, 660.0 mg, 625.0 mg
Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, For suspension, extended release, For suspension, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Metformin Hydrochloride has twenty contraindications and should not be amalgamated with the ailments given in the ensuing table.Metformin Hydrochloride ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Acute Coryza
Do Not Combine
Liver Failure
Do Not Combine
Metabolic acidosis
Do Not Combine
Lactic Acidosis
Do Not Combine
ethanol
Do Not Combine
cardiorespiratory insufficiency caused by Heart Failure
Do Not Combine
Hypovolemic Shock
Do Not Combine
cardiovascular collapse
Do Not Combine
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Do Not Combine
Hypoxemia
Do Not Combine
Impaired Renal Function
Do Not Combine
serum creatinine above upper limit for age range
Do Not Combine
Impaired Renal Function
Do Not Combine
kidney function unknown
Do Not Combine
estimated GFR <30mL/min
Do Not Combine
severe hepatic dysfunction
Do Not Combine
Comatose
Do Not Combine
Traumatic Injury
Do Not Combine
Impaired Renal Function
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Metformin may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Metformin Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The excretion of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Metformin.
Procainamide
Major
The excretion of Procainamide can be decreased when combined with Metformin.
Topotecan
Major
The excretion of Topotecan can be decreased when combined with Metformin.
Abacavir
Minor
Metformin may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Aclidinium
Minor
Metformin may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Metformin Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of metformin in rats is 1g/kg when taken orally, 500mg/kg when given intraperitoneally, and 300mg/kg when given subcutaneously. In mice, the toxic dose is 1450mg/kg orally, 420mg/kg intraperitoneally, and 225mg/kg subcutaneously. Taking too much metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, a serious medical condition where the body produces too much lactic acid. Risk factors for this condition include advanced age, renal impairment, taking certain medications, drinking alcohol heavily, and liver disease. Metformin may
Metformin Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Metformin Hydrochloride?
346 active clinical trials are assessing the potential of Metformin Hydrochloride as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes and inadequate responses to Metformin therapy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Diet
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Physical Activity
34 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Type 1 Diabetes
147 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
Type 2 Diabetes
175 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 3
diet and exercise not sufficient for diabetes control
0 Actively Recruiting
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
9 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
inadequate response to metformin
0 Actively Recruiting
uncontrolled diabetes
0 Actively Recruiting
Metformin Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Metformin Hydrochloride?
4Patient Review
10/18/2021 I've been taking this medication for three months now, 500MG once a day. So far I'm seeing good results; my A1C is down from an average of 200 to 125. If I eat breakfast before taking the dose, I don't feel any effects other than gas and gurgling in my tummy.
4Patient Review
10/19/2021 I've been taking this medication for years now, 500mg twice a day. The initial diarrhea I experienced went away after some time. I lost weight and my A1C levels decreased. It's become a staple in my medical routine and works well with other medications I take such as Invokana (oral) and Ozempic (injectable).
4Patient Review
4/17/2022 Metformin HCL 500MG has been relatively easy to incorporate into my daily routine. I'm glad that it is helping me manage my pre-diabetic diagnosis, and hopefully I will be able to wean off of it someday like my mother-in-law did.
3.7Patient Review
8/14/2021 I saw significant improvements in my blood sugar by taking this medication as prescribed and making some lifestyle changes. The only downside was that I became a bit more gassy.
3.3Patient Review
10/1/2021 I had an intense reaction to the first dose of this medication. I started having diarrhea and vomiting within 20 minutes, and it was so bad that I thought I wasn't going to make it to the toilet in time. This went on for another two hours, and I honestly don't know how people are able to function normally after taking this drug.
2Patient Review
10/12/2021 I unfortunately had very negative side effects from this medication, including intense stomach pain and diarrhea.
2Patient Review
11/1/2021 I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in March and started taking Metformin. Unfortunately, it didn't help control my blood sugar very well, and the side effects were really bad - severe chronic diarrhea and weight loss. I talked to my doctor about other options and she took me off Metformin and prescribed Glipizide instead. I know that Metformin works for some people, but it just wasn't the right medication for me.
2Patient Review
12/6/2021 The beginning was promising, but after a week I started to experience negative effects. I would have spells where I felt like my blood sugar was dropping and I would faint. Once I stopped taking the medication, it took over a week to feel normal again. Overall, this was a terrible experience.
2Patient Review
9/23/2022 This medication was effective at first, but then quickly lost its efficacy. Additionally, I experienced constipation, liver pain, and general gut discomfort. My bowel movements also became very light brown in color. Overall, I felt sick while taking this medication and honestly believe that if I had continued to use it, I would have died. Thankfully, my GP prescribed another medication that has been much better for me with none of the aforementioned side effects.
1.3Patient Review
1/19/2022 I was diagnosed with diabetes and my doctor had me take 500 mg twice a day. After a week, she increased the dosage to 1000 mg twice a day. I have survived two weeks; however, she is stopping the medication because I developed a bad rash (possibly from an allergic reaction). If the side effects go away, we will try something new. This med made me so sick to my stomach with horrible stomach issues and diarrhea that I lost my appetite. The smell of food was awful.
1.3Patient Review
9/16/2021 Do not bother with this medication. I started experiencing hives and itching after the first dose, which was only a warning of what was to come. In the middle of the night, I was awoken by severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea simultaneously. The cold sweats and pain were unbearable. My husband thought I might have contracted Covid, but honestly this experience was much worse.
1Patient Review
3/24/2022 I felt really crazy while taking this medication. I experienced all sorts of intense emotions.
Patient Q&A Section about metformin hydrochloride
What is metformin hydrochloride used for?
"A drug used to treat diabetes mellitus is being studied in the treatment of cancer." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
When is the best time to take metformin hydrochloride?
"Stir until it has all dissolved.
You should take metformin with or just after your evening meal, in order to reduce the chance of experiencing side effects. Swallow the metformin tablets whole with a drink of water, and do not chew them. If you are taking metformin sachets, pour the powder into a glass and add water (about 150ml). Stir until it has dissolved completely." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the most serious side effect of metformin?
"The FDA issues a "boxed" or "black box" warning for metformin's most serious side effect of lactic acidosis, which is very rare." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the side effects of metformin hydrochloride?
"You may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, gas, weakness, or a metallic taste in your mouth. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If you experience stomach symptoms at any point after taking this medication, even after taking it for several days or weeks, tell your doctor right away." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer