Biguanide

Biguanides (ATC A10 BA) form a class of drugs for diabetes mellitus treatment.

Examples of biguanides:

• metformin - widely used in treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 combined with obesity
• phenphormin - withdrawn from the market in most countries due to toxic effects
• buformin - withdrawn from the market due to toxic effects

History

Galega officinalis was used for diabetes treatment in traditional medicine for centuries. In 20s guanidine compounds were dicovered in Galega extracts.

Pharmacotherapy

Biguanides can be used alone or in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin.