Drug reference
metformin
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Endocrine (Insulin sensitizers)
Mechanism of action
Decreases hepatic glucose production; decreases GI glucose absorption; increases target cell insulin sensitivity
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Low serum vitamin B-12
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Known interactions (7)
- Berberine + metformin Moderate
- chromium picolinate + metformin Moderate
- fluvoxamine + metformin Moderate
- furosemide + metformin Moderate
- Glimepiride + metformin Moderate
- metformin + proton pump inhibitor (class) Moderate
- metformin + Sulpiride Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is metformin?
metformin belongs to: Endocrine.
How does metformin work?
Decreases hepatic glucose production; decreases GI glucose absorption; increases target cell insulin sensitivity
What are the common side effects of metformin?
Constipation, Vomiting, Nausea, Low serum vitamin B-12, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea
Which drugs interact with metformin?
Berberine, chromium picolinate, fluvoxamine, furosemide, Glimepiride, proton pump inhibitor (class), Sulpiride
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.