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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Biguanide🔒 Prescription only

What Is Metformin Used For?

Brand names: Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world, primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

What is Metformin used for?

Type 2 diabetes (primary use)
Prediabetes prevention
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Insulin resistance management

How does Metformin work?

Metformin reduces the amount of glucose your liver releases into the blood and helps your body respond better to insulin, making it easier for your cells to absorb glucose.

Dosage information

💊Available forms

500mg tablets
850mg tablets
1000mg tablets
Extended-release tablets
500mg/5ml liquid solution

📏Typical dosage

Typically 500–2,000mg per day taken with meals. Your doctor will adjust based on blood sugar response.

⚠️ Dosage varies by individual. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions — never self-dose based on general information.

Side effects

Common

Nausea
Diarrhea
Stomach upset
Loss of appetite
Metallic taste

⚠️ Serious — contact your doctor

Lactic acidosis (rare — seek emergency care for muscle pain or breathing difficulty)
Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use

Important warnings

Do not take with severe kidney disease (eGFR below 30)

Stop before contrast dye procedures (CT scans)

Avoid excessive alcohol

Tell your doctor before any surgery

Drug interactions

These substances may interact with Metformin. This is not a complete list — always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL medications and supplements you take.

AlcoholContrast dye (iodinated)Some blood pressure medicationsCertain antibiotics

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

🤰 Generally considered safe — discuss with your doctor

Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

What is metformin used for?

Metformin treats type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar. It is also used off-label for PCOS and prediabetes.

Does metformin cause weight loss?

Metformin may cause modest weight loss mainly by reducing appetite. It is not a weight-loss drug but weight neutrality or slight loss is common.

Can you drink alcohol while taking metformin?

Avoid excessive alcohol — it increases lactic acidosis risk and causes unpredictable blood sugar changes.

How long does metformin take to work?

Metformin begins lowering blood sugar within 48 hours. Maximum effect typically takes 1–2 weeks.

What foods should you avoid with metformin?

Avoid excessive alcohol. Take metformin with food to significantly reduce nausea and stomach upset.

Related medications

💊LisinoprilACE Inhibitor 💊AtorvastatinStatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)💊OmeprazoleProton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)💊LevothyroxineThyroid Hormone Replacement

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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Information on this page is sourced from general pharmaceutical references and is provided for educational purposes only. Drug information may change — always verify with your pharmacist or prescriber. PillCodex.com is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.