What is the brand name for Metformin?
The brand name for Metformin is Glucophage.
PTCE 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).
Related drugs in the Endocrine/Diabetes group
Drill Metformin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 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).