the generic name for a non-chlorine, non-bromine, sanitizer that utilizes the polymer PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide). It is used to totally eliminate the use of chlorine or bromine. A popular non-halogen, alternative pool, spa or hot tub chemical sanitizer. Chlorine, bromine or non-chlorine shock will destroy the biguanide polymer. Click here for some ordering information about Biguanide Test Kits.

Polyhexmethylene biguanide hydrochloride. A long chain polymeric molecule with both bactericidal and algicidal characteristics. Must be used in pool maintenance with a supporting oxidizer (Hydrogen peroxide).

The active ingredient used in many chlorine alternatives, including Baquacil and SoftSwim.

A kind of oral hypoglycemic drug. Details are in Chapter 9.

a class of oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and by helping the body respond better to insulin. (Generic name: metformin.)

Biguanides (ATC A10 BA) form a class of oral hypoglycemic drugs used for diabetes mellitus or prediabetes treatment.