Metformin
Glucophage / Biguanide / Dimethylbiguanide
A biguanide drug approved for type 2 diabetes in the US since 1995 (used in Europe since 1957). It activates AMPK, reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. It is proposed for testing against aging in the planned TAME trial, which has not yet started enrolling. Observational data suggest people with diabetes on metformin may live as long as or longer than matched people without diabetes.
Half-life
4–8.7 hours
Typical Dose
500–2000 mg/day
1200/2000Route
oral
Category
metabolic
Evidence Overview
Strength of evidence across clinical, expert, and experimental lanes.
How Metformin is dosed in practice
Usually taken by mouth. Typical range: 500–2000 mg/day. Half-life: 4–8.7 hours. Each card gives the dose, frequency and duration from one evidence lane: Clinical (human trials), Expert (practitioner protocols) or Experimental (early or animal data). These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Work out the units to draw with the reconstitution calculator, how long a vial lasts with the vial duration calculator, and how levels fall between doses with the half-life calculator.
FDA-approved first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes; the UKPDS trial showed fewer diabetes-related deaths in overweight patients. An observational study (2014) reported 15% lower all-cause mortality in people with diabetes on metformin than in matched people without diabetes. The TAME trial, designed to test effects on aging, has not yet started enrolling.
- Drug label (Glucophage)
- Observational cohort study (2014)
- TAME trial design paper (2016)
Longevity physicians debate metformin intensely. Pro: AMPK activation, reduced insulin/IGF-1 signaling, cancer risk reduction, cheap, and safe. Con: may blunt exercise adaptations (mitochondrial biogenesis) and reduce muscle protein synthesis. Many practitioners recommend it for sedentary patients but not for active athletes. 500–1000 mg at dinner is a common longevity dose.
- Longevity-medicine consensus on metformin trade-offs
- Longevity physician prescribing patterns
- Exercise + metformin interaction studies
One of the most debated compounds in longevity circles. Some users report improved fasting glucose and reduced inflammation. Others abandoned it after learning about the exercise-blunting effects. Extended-release (ER) formulation preferred to minimize GI side effects. Very inexpensive — $4/month at most pharmacies.
- r/longevity metformin debate threads
- Biohacking community metabolic optimization reports
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Upgrade to ProSafety & Contraindications
- eGFR < 30 mL/min (lactic acidosis risk)
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis
- Heavy alcohol use (lactic acidosis risk)
- Hold before contrast dye procedures
Metformin: common questions
What is Metformin?
A biguanide drug approved for type 2 diabetes in the US since 1995 (used in Europe since 1957). It activates AMPK, reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. It is proposed for testing against aging in the planned TAME trial, which has not yet started enrolling. Observational data suggest people with diabetes on metformin may live as long as or longer than matched people without diabetes.
How is Metformin dosed?
Metformin is usually taken by mouth. Typical range in DoseCraft's library: 500–2000 mg/day. Clinical (human trials): 500–2000 mg daily, divided doses; 1–2x daily with meals; Chronic — long-term use. Expert (practitioner protocols): 500–1500 mg daily (longevity dosing); Once daily at dinner or divided AM/PM; Ongoing with annual monitoring. Experimental (early or animal data): 500–1000 mg ER at bedtime; Once daily with dinner; Ongoing or cycled around exercise. These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Is Metformin FDA-approved?
Yes. Metformin is an FDA-approved prescription medicine; uses outside its approved indication are off-label.
What is the half-life of Metformin?
DoseCraft's library lists a half-life of 4–8.7 hours. Half-life sets how often a compound is dosed and how long it takes to clear: about five half-lives.
Who should not use Metformin?
Listed contraindications: eGFR < 30 mL/min (lactic acidosis risk); Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis; Heavy alcohol use (lactic acidosis risk); Hold before contrast dye procedures.
Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen.
Page updated . How we grade evidence: methodology.