TempoLife › Medicine reference › metformin
Metformin
Type 2 diabetes, by helping the body respond to insulin and lowering blood sugar.
General information only, not medical advice, and no doses. Read the leaflet in your pack and ask a pharmacist about your own situation, other medicines, pregnancy or any health condition.
At a glance
| Generic name | Metformin |
|---|---|
| Type | Biguanide — a type 2 diabetes medicine |
| Commonly used for | Type 2 diabetes, by helping the body respond to insulin and lowering blood sugar. |
| With food? | Taken with or just after food to reduce stomach upset, which is common when starting. |
| Alcohol | Heavy or binge drinking should be avoided, as it can add to the risk of low blood sugar and, rarely, other problems. |
| Timing | With meals, once or twice a day as prescribed. |
Food and drink
Taken with or just after food to reduce stomach upset, which is common when starting. Heavy or binge drinking should be avoided, as it can add to the risk of low blood sugar and, rarely, other problems.
When to take it
With meals, once or twice a day as prescribed.
Good to know
This is a prescription medicine; any changes should go through your diabetes team. If anything about your own use is unclear, a pharmacist can advise for free.
Other common medicines
Paracetamol
Mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache and muscle aches, and lowering a fever.
Ibuprofen
Pain, inflammation and fever — for example period pain, sprains, back pain and dental pain.
Aspirin
Pain and fever at normal doses; a low daily dose is used, only on medical advice, to reduce clotting risk.
Naproxen
Pain and inflammation, including muscle and joint pain and period pain; it is longer-acting than ibuprofen.
Omeprazole
Heartburn, acid reflux and stomach or gut ulcers.
Loratadine
Hay fever and other allergies, and itchy hives.
Source: General medicine information paraphrased from standard patient-information-leaflet guidance. Always read the leaflet in your pack. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is Metformin used for?
Type 2 diabetes, by helping the body respond to insulin and lowering blood sugar.
Can I drink alcohol with Metformin?
Heavy or binge drinking should be avoided, as it can add to the risk of low blood sugar and, rarely, other problems.
Should I take Metformin with food?
Taken with or just after food to reduce stomach upset, which is common when starting.
See the pattern over time
TempoLife logs symptoms, food and sleep, so you can bring a clear picture to your pharmacist or doctor.