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What Is Metformin HCL?

Metformin hydrochloride or HCL is a generic prescription oral medication available in liquid or capsule form. Doctors typically prescribe metformin HCL for the control of blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

  1. Function

    • Metformin decreases both the amount of sugar that your liver produces and how much sugar is absorbed in your intestines during digestion. Together, these functions lower the amount of sugar in your bloodstream.

    Benefits

    • Unlike other oral medications for diabetes, metformin HCL does not pose a risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia, according to RxList.

    Time Frame

    • Though specific dosing instructions vary depending on which brand of metformin HCL your doctor prescribes, patients generally take metformin two to three times per day with meals.

    Risks

    • The most common side effects of metformin HCL are loss of appetite, heartburn, a metallic taste in your mouth, flatulence, stomachaches, vomiting and weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some patients develop a potentially life-threatening acidity of the blood known as lactic acidosis while taking metformin HCL.

    Considerations

    • Because the drug has caused adverse effects upon fetal development in animal studies, doctors restrict the use of metformin HCL in pregnant women to instances when there are no safe alternatives to treatment. If you have a history of dehydration, diarrhea, stress, an overactive adrenal gland, heart or blood vessel disorders, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disease or malnutrition, it may not be safe for you to take metformin HCL, warns the Mayo Clinic.

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