Metformin: study card

Generic name

Metformin

Class

Biguanide

Mechanism

Decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal glucose absorption and improves insulin sensitivity; insulin secretion unchanged.

Used for

Type 2 diabetes in adults and children aged 10 or older, as an adjunct to diet and exercise

Common side effects

Diarrhea; Nausea / vomiting; Flatulence; Asthenia; Indigestion

Boxed warning

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis can be fatal; onset is often subtle, with malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence.

Warnings

Severe renal impairment; Metabolic acidosis incl. diabetic ketoacidosis; Vitamin B12 deficiency

Interactions

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g. topiramate); Iodinated contrast; Alcohol

Brand questions use only name pairings verified against the linked product source. Unverified pairings are withheld from these questions; the other study content remains available.

Label date: 20260821 · For learning, not clinical decisions. US label and brand information; always consult the current source.

Source snapshot checked: 2026-10-21. The source document and selected fields were compared. The complete card has not had an independent clinical review.