metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən 

: a drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C₄H₁₁N₅·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes

Examples of metformin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The reductions in alcohol use held up among people taking the new generation obesity medications and older drugs, including metformin, which is typically prescribed for diabetes. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Dec. 2024

Some were taking older medications such as metformin. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Dec. 2024

Some studies have shown that metformin could help to promote longevity and better health outcomes, the doctor said. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024

The new study compared semaglutide to seven other diabetes drugs, including metformin, insulin and older GLP-1 drugs, including liraglutide. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

methyl + -formin (as in phenformin, an earlier antidiabetic drug)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən 

: an antidiabetic drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C₄H₁₁N₅·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes in patients unresponsive to or intolerant of approved sulfonylurea drugs

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing metformin include Glucophage, Glucovance, Invokamet, Janumet, Jentadueto, and Kombiglyze.