Phenformin

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Phenformin

Phenformin (pronounced: fen-for-min) is an antidiabetic drug that belongs to the biguanide class of medications. It was widely used in the 1960s and 1970s for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes before being withdrawn due to its association with lactic acidosis.

Etymology

The term "Phenformin" is derived from its chemical structure, which consists of a phenethyl group (Phen-) attached to a biguanide moiety (-formin). The "-formin" suffix is common to all biguanide antidiabetic drugs, including Metformin and Buformin.

Usage

Phenformin was used as an oral agent to control blood glucose levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. However, its use was discontinued in most countries due to the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious and potentially fatal side effect.

Related Terms

  • Biguanide: A class of antidiabetic drugs that includes Phenformin, Metformin, and Buformin.
  • Type 2 diabetes: A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose).
  • Lactic acidosis: A build-up of lactic acid in the body, usually due to a lack of oxygen. It can be a rare but serious side effect of Phenformin and other biguanides.
  • Metformin: A biguanide antidiabetic drug that is currently the first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
  • Buformin: Another biguanide antidiabetic drug that, like Phenformin, has been withdrawn from the market due to the risk of lactic acidosis.

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