Buformin

An oral antidiabetic drug

Buformin is an oral antidiabetic drug belonging to the biguanide class. It was primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus but has been withdrawn from the market in many countries due to safety concerns, particularly the risk of lactic acidosis.

Pharmacology

Buformin works by decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis, increasing insulin sensitivity, and enhancing peripheral glucose uptake. It shares a similar mechanism of action with metformin, another biguanide, but is less commonly used due to its higher risk profile.

Mechanism of Action

Buformin reduces blood glucose levels by:

• Inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby reducing glucose production in the liver.
• Increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle tissues, which enhances glucose uptake.
• Decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose.

Clinical Use

Buformin was used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in patients who were overweight or obese. It was often prescribed when dietary management and exercise alone were insufficient to control blood glucose levels.

Safety and Efficacy

While effective in lowering blood glucose, buformin was associated with a significant risk of lactic acidosis, a potentially fatal condition characterized by the buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This risk led to its withdrawal from the market in many countries.

Comparison with Metformin

Both buformin and metformin belong to the biguanide class and share similar mechanisms of action. However, metformin is preferred due to its better safety profile and lower risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin remains a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.

History

Buformin was developed in the mid-20th century and was used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, due to safety concerns, particularly the risk of lactic acidosis, its use has been largely discontinued in favor of safer alternatives like metformin.

Gallery

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  Buformin chemical structure

• Dibetos50.jpg

  Dibetos 50 mg tablets

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  Buformin synthesis pathway

Related pages

• Metformin
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Lactic acidosis
• Biguanide