Name: Metformin (Glucophage)
Class: Anti-Diabetes Agent (Oral Hypoglycemic) (Biguanide)
Mechanism: Decreases hepatic output ® decreased plasma glucose. Does not directly stimulate insulin production.
Absorption: Oral ® good absorption.
Dist.: No protein binding.
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½: Excreted unMetabolismolized in urine. 8 hr.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Lactic acidosis (1:40,000-80,000), metallic aftertaste, nausea, diarrhea. May reduce triglycerides.
Utility: Use alone or in combination w/sulfonylureas to treat NIDDM that doesn’t respond well to sulfonylureas alone.
Special Features: Only reduces blood glucose in the presence of hyperglycemia. Has not been found to cause serious hypoglycemia.