METFORMIN
Abstract
In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #metformin
Dr Sharon Rees @reesprescribe
#metformin is the 1st line drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and has been available in UK since 1958 and the US from the mid-1990s. It was discovered after French lilac extracts yielded clinical precursors trialled for flu and malaria, with incidental finding of lowering blood glucose #prescribing
Dr Sharon Rees @reesprescribe
#metformin is formed from 2 guanidines bonded to make biguanide. The brand name Glucophage = gluco (sugar) and phage (to eat) #prescribing
Dr Sharon Rees @reesprescribe
#metformin is licensed for prevention (Glucophage sustained release) and T2DM. Its off-license use is for PCOS, as metabolic disturbance linked to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia. It is also unlicensed for 1st-line gestational diabetes mellitus #prescribing
Dr Sharon Rees @reesprescribe
The UK NICE guideline includes #metformin as adjunct to insulin for type I diabetes, if control needs to be improved and BMI >25 kg/m2 or >23 kg/m2 for South Asian/related populations #prescribing
Dr Sharon Rees @reesprescribe
#metformin is licensed for age 10+ (10–17 specialist use). Typical T2DM regimen is slow titration up to 1.5–2 g/day in divided doses. Can be used at all intensification stages and can be combined with other diabetic agents if tolerated #prescribing
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Journal of Prescribing Practice and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for prescribing professionals. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Limited access to our clinical or professional articles
-
New content and clinical newsletter updates each month