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 same family of contaminants triggered past recalls of the heartburn drug Zantac, the diabetes drug metformin and the smoking cessation medication Chantix. —Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024

Certain genetic profiles respond more favorably to metformin, showing slower telomere attrition. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

However, researchers haven’t been able to raise the $50 million needed to launch the trial, which would track 3000 older people taking the diabetes drug metformin for 6 years. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 11 Sep. 2024

Goldenseal has the potential to interact with diabetes medications, including metformin. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 July 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.