Phenformin

Synonyms

Fenformin

Imidodicarbonimidic diamide, N-(2-phenylethyl)-

Phenylethylbiguanide

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)