Metformin hydrochloride in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a clinical review with a focus on dual therapy
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus typically involves abnormal beta-cell function that results in relative insulin deficiency, insulin resistance accompanied by decreased glucose transport into muscle and fat cells, and increased hepatic glucose output, all of which contribute to hyperglycemia.
OBJECTIVE: This review examines the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, drug-interaction potential, adverse effects, and dosing guidelines for metformin hydrochloride, a biguanide agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Clinical trial data are reviewed, including efficacy and tolerability information, with a focus on studies of dual metformin therapy (metformin plus another oral agent or insulin) published from 1998 to the present. Pharmacoeconomic considerations are also discussed.
METHODS: Primary research and review articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966-May 2003) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-May 2003) using the terms metformin and/or Glucophage. Web of Science (1995-May 2003) was used to search for additional abstracts. The package inserts for metformin and metformin combination products were consulted. All identified articles and abstracts were assessed for relevance, and all relevant information was included. Priority was given to the primary medical literature and clinical trial reports.
RESULTS: Metformin is the only currently available oral antidiabetic/hypoglycemic agent that acts predominantly by inhibiting hepatic glucose release.…
Read the paper
Related studies
- Metformin as an adjuvant in breast cancer treatment
- Metformin Lysosomal Targeting: A Novel Aspect to Be Investigated for Metformin Repurposing in Neurodegenerative Diseases?
- Aberrant HSF1 signaling activation underlies metformin amelioration of myocardial infarction in mice
- Metformin induces ZFP36 by mTORC1 inhibition in cervical cancer-derived cell lines
- Protein Interaction Network for Identifying Vascular Response of Metformin (Oral Antidiabetic)
- Preventing Long COVID With Metformin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.