Generic
Pioglitazone
23 brands available in the market
At a glance
Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetic medication used to control type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, helping to control blood sugar levels.
Description
Pioglitazone is a potent and highly selective agonist for the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Activation of these receptors promotes the production of gene products involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. It improves insulin response to target cells without increasing pancreatic secretion of insulin.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Therapeutic class
Anti-anginal & lipid lowering drugs
Pharmacological class
Thiazolidinedione (PPAR-γ Agonist)
Pharmacology
Pioglitazone activates PPAR-γ receptors, which increase expression of genes regulating lipid and glucose metabolism. It improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic glucose production, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
Mechanism of action
Increases insulin sensitivity by activating PPAR-γ receptors.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Type 2 diabetes: 15 mg once daily
- Elderly: No dosage adjustment needed
- Renal impairment: No dosage adjustment needed
- Hepatic impairment (moderate-severe): Avoid
Administration
- May be taken with or without food; take at a fixed time
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Respiratory tract infection
- Numbness
- Bone fracture
- Peripheral edema
Precautions & warnings
- Does not usually affect driving ability
- Do not use in heart failure or history, type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis
- Inform doctor if shortness of breath, heart problems, or abnormal swelling occurs
- Monitor liver function; inform doctor if abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes, loss of appetite
- Not recommended in dialysis patients
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pioglitazone
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Symptomatic or history of heart failure
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe hepatic disease
- Children under 18 years
- Lactation
Drug interactions
- Insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas: Increased risk of edema
- Gemfibrozil, ketoconazole: Increased plasma levels
- Rifampicin: Decreased plasma levels
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Pioglitazone is unsafe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; monitor breastfed baby's blood sugar.
Pediatric use
Contraindicated in children under 18 years.
Geriatric use
No dosage adjustment needed in elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment required; not recommended in dialysis patients.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed; not recommended in severe liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose: May cause hypoglycemia; treatment: symptomatic; glucose administration; consult your doctor.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Pioglitazone