Metformin: Characteristics, Activity and Applications

I. Physical characteristics:

• Melting point: 222 – 226°C

• Identification methods: Infrared spectroscopy (IR), thin-layer chromatography (TLC)

II. Chemical properties:

• Reacts with alkaline solutions to form NH3.

• Reacts with α-naphthol in alkaline medium and sodium hypobromite to form a pink color.

• Basicity: Qualitative determination by a method similar to alkaloids, quantitative determination by acid measurement in dry environment.

• HCl group combined: Qualitative determination of Cl-, quantitative determination of combined HCl using NaOH.

• Qualitative determination: IR or TLC can be used (color development with reagent mixture of sodium nitroprussiate and potassium ferricyanide).

III. Biological activity:

• Does not stimulate insulin secretion from cells.

• Increases insulin sensitivity at the receptor.

• Increases peripheral glucose utilization.

• Decreases glucose synthesis.

• Increases glycogen storage.

• Decreases glucose absorption.

• Reduces urinary sugar.

IV. Applications:

• Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• Combination with sulfonylurea or insulin.

Note:

• Metformin can cause anemia if used for a long time due to competitive inhibition with the vitamin B12 intrinsic factor complex on its receptor.

V. Mechanism of action:

• Inhibits glucose reabsorption in the renal tubules by inhibiting the Na-glucose transferase 2 enzyme.

• Insulin independent.

VI. Side effects:

• Lactic acidosis.

• Urinary tract infection.

• Hypoglycemia.

• Vaginal Candida infection.

• Osteoporosis.

Note:

• This article provides general information about Metformin.

• Always consult a doctor before using any medication.