Diabetes medications (non-insulin)
Metformin and beyond
Type 2 diabetes; several also support weight loss and protect the heart and kidneys.
Different routes to the same goal — less glucose made by the liver, more removed by the kidneys, or more insulin released after a meal.
The 10 diabetes medications (non-insulin) in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Metformin | Glucophage | type 2 diabetes |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic / Wegovy / Rybelsus | type 2 diabetes, weight loss |
| Empagliflozin | Jardiance | type 2 diabetes, HF, CKD |
| Glipizide | Glucotrol | type 2 diabetes |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity | type 2 diabetes |
| Glimepiride | Amaryl | type 2 diabetes |
| Dapagliflozin | Farxiga | type 2 diabetes, HF, CKD |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro / Zepbound | type 2 diabetes, weight loss |
| Sitagliptin | Januvia | type 2 diabetes |
| Pioglitazone | Actos | type 2 diabetes |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleMetformin is usually the first medication started.
- check_circleThe -gliptins are DPP-4 inhibitors; the -gliflozins are SGLT2 inhibitors.
- check_circleSemaglutide, dulaglutide and tirzepatide are injectables, and most are refrigerated before first use.
- check_circleSulfonylureas cause low blood sugar more often than metformin does.
Metformin carries a boxed warning for lactic acidosis and is held around procedures using iodinated contrast dye.
Learn the suffixes: -gliptin, -gliflozin, -glutide. Each one names its class.
Drill diabetes medications (non-insulin) the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What drugs are in the diabetes medications (non-insulin) class? add
Metformin, Semaglutide, Empagliflozin, Glipizide, Dulaglutide, Glimepiride, Dapagliflozin, Tirzepatide, Sitagliptin, Pioglitazone. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are diabetes medications (non-insulin) used for? add
Type 2 diabetes; several also support weight loss and protect the heart and kidneys.
How do diabetes medications (non-insulin) work? add
Different routes to the same goal — less glucose made by the liver, more removed by the kidneys, or more insulin released after a meal.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.