Cronoformin
Cronoformin - General Information
A biguanide hypoglycemic agent with actions and uses similar to those of metformin. Although it is generally considered to be associated with an unacceptably high incidence of lactic acidosis, often fatal, it is still available in some countries. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p290)
Pharmacology of Cronoformin
Used to treat diabetes, phenformin is a biguanide (contains 2 guanidino groups) hypoglycemic agent with actions and uses similar to those of metformin (Glucophage). Both drugs work by (1) decreasing the absorption of glucose by the intestines, (2) decreasing the production of glucose in the liver, and by (3) increasing the body's ability to use insulin more effectively. More specifically, phenformin improves glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity. Cronoformin is generally considered to be associated with an unacceptably high incidence of actic acidosis. In general biguanides should be used only in stable type II diabetics who are free of liver, kidney and cardiovascular problems and who cannot be controlled with diet.
Additional information about Cronoformin
Cronoformin Indication: For the reatment of type II diabetes mellitus.
Mechanism Of Action: Cronoformin binds to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is an ultra-sensitive cellular energy sensor that monitors energy consumption and down-regulates ATP-consuming processes when activated. The biguanide phenformin has been shown to independently decrease ion transport processes, influence cellular metabolism and activate AMPK. Cronoformin's hypoglycemic activity is related the effect it has in activating AMPK and fooling insulin sensitive cells into thinking that insulin levels are low and causing the body to use glucose as if in a state of low caloric consumption.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Phenformin
Synonyms: Fenformina [Inn-Spanish]; Fenformin; N-Phenethylbiguanide Hydrochloride; Phenethylbiguanide Hydrochloride; PEDG; Phenethyldiguanide; Phenformin HCl; Phenformin Hydrochloride; Phenformine; Phenformine HCl; Phenformine [Inn-French]; Phenforminum [Inn-Latin]; Phenoformine Hydrochloride; Phenylethylbiguanide; Beta-Phenethylbiguanide; Beta-Phenethybiguanide; Beta-Pebg
Drug Category: Hypoglycemic Agents
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved; Withdrawn
Other Brand Names containing Phenformin: Azucaps; Cronoformin; D Bretard; DBI; DB Comb; DB-Retard; DBI Monohydrochloride; Debeone; Debinyl; Diabis; Dibein; Dibiraf; Dibotin; Dipar; Feguanide; Fenfoduron; Fenormin; Glukopostin; Glyphen; Insoral; Lentobetic; Meltrol; Meltrol-50; Normoglucina; Phenformix; Retardo;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Cronoformin: Not Available
Chemical IUPAC Name: 1-(diaminomethylidene)-2-(2-phenylethyl)guanidine
Chemical Formula: C10H15N5
Phenformin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenformin
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals