What it is
A biguanide oral antihyperglycemic agent. Available as immediate-release and extended-release tablets and an oral solution.
How it works
Decreases hepatic glucose production primarily by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I and activating AMPK, and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity. It does not stimulate insulin secretion.
Where it's used
Used in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Also studied off-label in polycystic ovary syndrome and as an investigational compound in aging research.
FDA-approved use
Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 and older.
Tracking it
Metformin is oral, which makes consistency the whole game — a simple daily check-off with a reminder beats memory every time. with a half-life of about 6 hours, a dose log also lets a tracker model the relative amount still in your system between doses.
Source
OpenFDA
Last reviewed 2026-06-11