Abstract: Objective Through analysing 37 cases of adverse drug reaction(ADR) by metformin to explore the rules and causes of adverse reactions, provide a reference for clinical rational use of drugs. Methods By searching literature in Chinese Journal Full-text Database from 1979 to 2013, 32 ADR literatures of metformin involving 37 cases, were statistically analyzed. Results In the 37 cases of adverse drug reaction by metformin, the adverse reaction incidence of men was more than that of women, the 30-39 years old patients with the highest incidence; the used formulation of metformin involved tablet formulation,enteric-coated tablet and sustained-release tablet. The tablet formulation was the ordinary formulation, accounting for 89.19%; the fastest appearing time of adverse reaction was 30 minutes after administration, the longest time was a few years after administration, and most adverse reactions happpened within 1 day after administration. The ADRs involved many systems and organs, mainly manifested as skin and appendage damage, systemic damage and endocrine system damage followed by nervous system and gastrointestinal system disorders. Most adverse reactions were slight, even if some symptoms were severe, most symptoms could be improved and disappeared after timely drug withdraw or symptomatic drug treatment, but2 cases died of lactic acidosis after rescue. Conclusion The doctors and pharmacists should pay attention to the adverse reactions caused by metformin, and understand the rules and characteristics of adverse reactions, the dosages should be strictly controlled according to the diseases, and the clinical care should be strengthened so as to prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions.

Key words: metformin, adverse drug reaction, literature analysis