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Metformin HCl — Prescription Reference
Biguanide glucose-lowering drug — reference entry, prescription only
In stock1 format availableCAS 1115-70-4 (hydrochloride); 657-24-9 (free base)
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Ask about this listing or request its COA- Mol. weight165.62 g/mol (hydrochloride); 129.16 g/mol (free base)
For laboratory research use only. Sold exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified professionals. Not for human or veterinary use, and not a medicine, food, cosmetic or dietary supplement. Terms and Conditions
Overview
Key facts
Reference entry for a prescription-only medicine.
- CAS number
- 1115-70-4 (hydrochloride); 657-24-9 (free base)
- Molecular formula
- C4H11N5 · HCl
- Molecular weight
- 165.62 g/mol (hydrochloride); 129.16 g/mol (free base)
- Storage
- Controlled room temperature, 20–25 °C, in the original container, protected from moisture
- Available size
- 500 mg · 60 tablets
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Reference entry for a prescription-only medicine. Metformin hydrochloride requires a prescription; it is included in this institutional catalogue solely so clinics, pharmacies and laboratories can identify the compound, its chemistry, its authorised indication and its storage needs. Supply happens only on a valid prescription or documented institutional authorisation, and this page offers no dosing, titration or sourcing advice.
It is one of the smallest molecules we list: 1,1-dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride (C4H11N5·HCl), 165.62 g/mol as the salt and 129.16 g/mol as the free base — a white, crystalline, strongly basic solid that dissolves freely in water. That polarity explains how the body handles it. Metformin is not metabolised; its uptake into liver cells and elimination by the kidney rely on the organic cation transporters OCT1 and OCT2 and on MATE efflux proteins rather than passive diffusion — the reason it features so often in transporter-pharmacogenetics research. Its prominence in nutrient-sensing and ageing research stems from its proposed action at mitochondrial complex I and the resulting change in the cell's AMP-to-ATP ratio.
Specifications
Identity
- CAS number
- 1115-70-4 (hydrochloride); 657-24-9 (free base)
- Molecular formula
- C4H11N5 · HCl
- Molecular weight
- 165.62 g/mol (hydrochloride); 129.16 g/mol (free base)
Additional detail
- Regulatory status
- Prescription-only medicine (Rx); supplied solely against valid prescription or institutional authorisation
- Generic name
- Metformin hydrochloride
- Chemical name
- 1,1-Dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride
- Drug class
- Biguanide antihyperglycaemic agent
- Appearance
- White to off-white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water
- Proposed mechanism
- Suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis, associated with mitochondrial complex I inhibition, altered cellular AMP:ATP ratio and AMPK activation
- Transport and elimination
- Substrate of OCT1, OCT2 and MATE transporters; not metabolised, excreted unchanged in urine
- Reference size listed
- 500 mg × 60 tablets
- Storage
- Controlled room temperature, 20–25 °C, in the original container, protected from moisture
- Intended use
- Reference listing only — prescription medicine, not supplied for non-prescribed use
Questions about Metformin HCl — Prescription Reference
Can metformin be bought without a prescription?
No. In the EU, the United States and most other jurisdictions, metformin hydrochloride is a prescription-only medicine. This page is an institutional reference entry describing the compound and its regulatory status; it is released only on a valid prescription or documented institutional authorisation.
By what mechanism does metformin reduce blood glucose?
Chiefly by curbing glucose output from the liver. The prevailing explanation is mild inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, raising the AMP:ATP ratio, activating AMPK and holding back gluconeogenesis; blocking mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase also shifts cytosolic redox state. Effects in the gut on GLP-1 and the microbiome are further research topics.
What is behind the prominent safety warning in its labelling?
Lactic acidosis — uncommon but serious, and linked to drug accumulation. The risk increases with kidney or liver impairment, hypoxic states, acute illness and heavy alcohol use. Because metformin leaves the body unchanged via the kidneys, renal function governs exposure and underlies the eGFR thresholds in the labelling.
Why is it listed near NMN and rapamycin?
Only because of research theme — all three appear frequently in nutrient-sensing and ageing research. Grouping them reflects shared subject matter, not a suggestion to combine them, and metformin's prescription status and authorised indication are unaffected.
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