Metformin
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
N,N-Dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide
| |
| Other names
3-(Diaminomethylidene)-1,1-dimethylguanidine
Dimethylbiguanidine Dimethylguanylguanidine Fortamet Glucophage Glumetza N,N-Dimethylbiguanide | |
| Properties | |
| C4H11N5 C4H11N5HCl (hydrochloride) | |
| Molar mass | 129.167 g/mol 165.63 g/mol (hydrochloride) |
| Appearance | Colorless crystalline solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting point | freebase 223–226 °C (433–439 °F; 496–499 K) hydrochloride 223–235 °C (433–455 °F; 496–508 K) |
| Boiling point | Decomposes |
| freebase Soluble hydrochloride 35.2 g/100 ml (20 °C) | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, methanol Insoluble in acetone, benzene, chloroform, diethyl ether, toluene, xylene |
| Vapor pressure | ~0 mmHg |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.4 |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich (hydrochloride) |
| Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
| LD50 (Median dose)
|
1770 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Guanidine Cyanoguanidine |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Metformin, also called Glucophage, is an organic compound, used as the main first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is commonly available as the hydrochloride salt.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Metformin is an organic base, that reacts with acids to form salts.
Physical
Metformin is a colorless solid, soluble in water and alcohols.
Availability
Metformin is available as medication against diabetes type 2, although it can only be acquired via prescription.
Preparation
Reaction of cyanoguanidine with dimethylamine yields metformin. If dimethylamine hydrochloride is used instead, metformin hydrochloride will be produced.
Projects
- Anti-diabetic medication (do not consume lab-grade reagent!)
- Compound collecting
Handling
Safety
Metformin has low toxicity, and it's used in medicine as treatment for type 2 diabetes, as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome (as hydrochloride salt). The most common adverse effect of metformin is gastrointestinal irritation, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and possibly increased flatulence. A small percentage of people may display lactic acidosis. It is not recommended for people who may have various kidney conditions.
There are some indications that this medication has some positive effects outside the use of treatment for the two mentioned conditions, like aiding in weight loss, improvement of bodily functions, including a possible reduction of loss of mental faculties, though so far none of these results have been proven beyond doubt.
Storage
In closed bottles.
Disposal
No special disposal is required, though it's best to incinerate it and not pour it down the drain.
