Metformin duration of action

Metformin is an oral medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its primary mechanism of action involves reducing glucose production in the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. The duration of metformin's effect typically refers to how long its pharmacological effects last in the body and the time required to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy.

Immediate-release formulations of metformin generally begin to take effect within 1 to 2 hours after administration, with the effects lasting approximately 4 to 6 hours. To maintain stable blood glucose control, patients usually need to take multiple doses throughout the day. Metformin lowers blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucose output, promoting anaerobic glycolysis, and improving glycogen synthesis in muscle tissue.

Extended-release formulations of metformin can maintain their effects for 12 to 24 hours. These formulations are released more slowly in the body, thus providing prolonged glucose-lowering effects.

It should be noted that the therapeutic effects of metformin are not immediate and may require several weeks to months of continuous use before significant improvements in blood glucose control can be observed.