Metformin
Biguanides
Sold as Riomet · XYNOX · JESACRIN · ZITUVIMET
- Drug class
- Biguanides
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 400
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 20,555
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Metformin is a biguanide medication [1]. It is approved for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [1]. It is not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and has not been studied in individuals with a history of pancreatitis [1].
Metformin is available under various brand names, including ZITUVIMET and Riomet [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 20,664 adverse event reports associated with this active ingredient [2]. Common adverse events reported include diarrhea, nausea, lactic acidosis, and vomiting [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 347 | May 29, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 36 | May 19, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 17 | May 22, 2026 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
347 products
Uses
For adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus:
Sitagliptin/Metformin hydrochloride is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in patients inadequately controlled on their maximal tolerated dose of metformin alone or those already being treated with the combination of sitagliptin and metformin.
, triple combination therapy) as an adjunct to diet and exercise in patients inadequately controlled on their maximal tolerated dose of metformin and a sulphonylurea. , a thiazolidinedione) as an adjunct to diet and exercise in patients inadequately controlled on their maximal tolerated dose of metformin and a PPARγ agonist.
, triple combination therapy) as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in patients when stable dose of insulin and metformin alone do not provide adequate glycaemic control.
USUnited States· FDA
36 products
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Metformin hydrochloride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin hydrochloride tablets is a biguanide indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
(1)
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
17 products
Uses
METFORMIN ER (metformin hydrochloride) extended-release tablets are indicated for: • the control of hyperglycemia in adult patients with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent, mature onset) diabetes, as an adjunct to dietary management, exercise, and weight reduction, or when insulin therapy is not appropriate.
• may be used as monotherapy, or concomitantly with a sulfonylurea. 1 Pediatrics (< 18 years of age) No data are available to Health Canada; therefore, Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use. 2 Geriatrics Controlled clinical studies of metformin hydrochloride did not include sufficient numbers of elderly patients to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
3 Pharmacokinetic). From these data, it appears that the change in metformin pharmacokinetics with aging is primarily accounted for by a change in renal function. Metformin treatment should not be initiated in patients greater than 80 years of age unless their renal function is not significantly reduced.
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Metformin. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 596. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL494450355 · revised May 29, 2026
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 073cf6d9-7142-4d… · revised May 19, 2026 [PDF]
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 02558785 · revised April 27, 2026
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.