What is the brand name for Metformin?
The brand name for Metformin is Glucophage.
PTCB TOP 200 · #2
Metformin
Glucophage
Metformin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Glucophage. It is a biguanide (antihyperglycemic) used to treat type 2 diabetes. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Metformin ranks #2 and is one of the most frequently tested endocrine/diabetes medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Metformin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Glucophage |
| Drug class | Biguanide (antihyperglycemic) |
| Class group | Endocrine/Diabetes |
| Common use | type 2 diabetes |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Metformin used for?
Type 2 diabetes: improves blood glucose control as an adjunct to diet and exercise (alone or with other antidiabetic meds).
What drug class is Metformin?
Metformin is a Biguanide (antihyperglycemic) in the Endocrine/Diabetes group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Metformin
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightAbdominal discomfort
- arrow_rightMetallic taste
- arrow_rightLoss of appetite
Major interactions
- arrow_rightIodinated contrast media (hold metformin around procedures when indicated) due to lactic acidosis risk
- arrow_rightExcessive alcohol ↑ lactic acidosis risk
- arrow_rightCarbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., topiramate) ↑ metabolic acidosis risk
- arrow_rightCationic drugs (e.g., cimetidine) may ↑ metformin levels
Is Metformin a controlled substance?
No. Metformin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
BOXED WARNING: Metformin can rarely cause lactic acidosis (a medical emergency). Risk increases with significant kidney impairment, hypoxia, excessive alcohol, or iodinated contrast procedures.
How to remember Metformin (PTCE mnemonic)
GLUCO-phage 'eats' GLUCOse — METformin is the first MET for type 2. Hold for contrast/renal — lactic acidosis.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Metformin is the first-line type 2 diabetes drug and, unlike sulfonylureas, rarely causes low blood sugar on its own — a distinction the PTCE likes to test.
Metformin FAQ
What is Metformin used for?
Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes: improves blood glucose control as an adjunct to diet and exercise (alone or with other antidiabetic meds).
What drug class is Metformin?
Metformin is a Biguanide (antihyperglycemic) (Endocrine/Diabetes group).
Is Metformin a controlled substance?
No. Metformin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Metformin
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
descriptionHow to read a prescriptionevery field on a prescription, decoded
Pharmacy math cheat sheetthe five calculation types the PTCE asksSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Metformin the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Related drugs in the Endocrine/Diabetes group
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).