What is Pioglitazone Hydrochloride
PioglitazoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPioglitazone is a medication used to help manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in combination with diet, exercise, and other antidiabetic drugs. It works by increasing insulin sensitivity and helping the body take up glucose from the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones, which also includes rosiglitazone and troglitazone. However, due to the presence of adverse effects and warnings, as well as safer and more effective alternatives, pioglitazone has become less popular in recent years.
Actosis the brand name
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Actos
Pioglitazone
1999
252
Effectiveness
How Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Affects PatientsPioglitazone helps the body make better use of insulin, which can lower blood sugar levels and reduce the amount of insulin in the body. However, taking pioglitazone can lead to fluid buildup in the body, which can worsen congestive heart failure. Additionally, there is some evidence that pioglitazone may increase the risk of bladder cancer, so it should be used with caution in patients with a history of bladder cancer or active bladder cancer.
How Pioglitazone Hydrochloride works in the bodyPioglitazone works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. It does this by activating a receptor in muscles, fat, and liver cells that controls how much glucose and fat the body produces. This helps to reduce insulin resistance which is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes. It also helps to reduce the amount of glucose the body produces, which helps to improve overall insulin sensitivity.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Pioglitazone Hydrochloride is contingent upon the established ailment, including Diet, Physical Activity and Type 2 Diabetes. The amount likewise varies as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet, film coated or Tablet, film coated - Oral) specified in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Diabetic Neuropathy
15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, , 45.0 mg
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Occlusive dressing technique, Tablet - Occlusive dressing technique
Diet
15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, , 45.0 mg
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Occlusive dressing technique, Tablet - Occlusive dressing technique
Physical Activity
15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, , 45.0 mg
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Occlusive dressing technique, Tablet - Occlusive dressing technique
Type 2 Diabetes
15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, , 45.0 mg
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Occlusive dressing technique, Tablet - Occlusive dressing technique
Type 2 Diabetes
15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, , 45.0 mg
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Occlusive dressing technique, Tablet - Occlusive dressing technique
Warnings
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Hypesthesia
Do Not Combine
Hypesthesia
Do Not Combine
Severe Hepatic Impairment
Do Not Combine
Urinary Bladder
Do Not Combine
Urinary Bladder
Do Not Combine
uninvestigated macroscopic hematuria
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Pioglitazone may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Pioglitazone.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Pioglitazone.
Enasidenib
Major
The metabolism of Enasidenib can be decreased when combined with Pioglitazone.
Fluorouracil
Major
The metabolism of Fluorouracil can be decreased when combined with Pioglitazone.
Fosphenytoin
Major
The metabolism of Fosphenytoin can be decreased when combined with Pioglitazone.
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of pioglitazone in mice is 24mg/kg over 4 days and in rats is 3mg/kg over 6 days. One person overdosed on pioglitazone by taking 120mg daily for 4 days, then 180mg daily for 7 days without any negative effects. If someone takes too much pioglitazone, they should be monitored and given supportive care based on their symptoms.
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Pioglitazone Hydrochloride?
300 active studies are in progress to assess the potential of Pioglitazone Hydrochloride in managing Type 2 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes Complications and Physical Activity.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Type 2 Diabetes
93 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1
Type 2 Diabetes
175 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 3
Physical Activity
34 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Diet
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Diabetic Neuropathy
17 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Pioglitazone Hydrochloride?
5Patient Review
11/21/2016 I've heard that this medication can have some pretty severe side effects. Has anyone else experienced this?
5Patient Review
12/9/2016 This worked really well for me and I'm very pleased with the results.
5Patient Review
8/6/2014 This didn't work for me, unfortunately.
5Patient Review
10/20/20134.7Patient Review
5/13/2020 This worked well for me with no side effects. Just be patient- it can take up to three months to see the full benefits.
4.3Patient Review
5/18/2014 I'm really pleased with this medication. The other two I tried previously made me break out, itch, and lose sleep at night. This one doesn't have any of those nasty side effects, which is great.
4.3Patient Review
8/22/20134Patient Review
1/23/2017 After one month, my blood sugar is below the target! The only downside is that it makes me very tired, so I have to take it at night. Another issue is that I've noticed my vision has gotten more blurred; however, I will bring this up to my doctor at my next visit and continue taking as prescribed for now.
4Patient Review
6/19/2016 Every time I've taken this medication three times per day, my readings have been below 150. Additionally, the seven day average is 89.
3Patient Review
7/7/2014 While this didn't help me control my blood sugar levels as much as I'd hoped, I did notice that my muscles felt less stiff.
3Patient Review
9/2/20132.7Patient Review
1/8/2016 My daily readings before breakfast show high numbers, 145 on average. However, my semiannual A1c tests have come back with 6.8 or better results. I'm checking it out as a possible cause of edema since it was mentioned to me as a possibility.
2.7Patient Review
7/21/2017 I'm not sure how effective this medication is after using it for two months. I've had a few low readings, but my morning readings before breakfast are much higher than expected (in the 160 range). With all the exercise I get (12,000 plus steps per day), it's difficult to figure out the right time to take the medicine. And now I'm also concerned about changes in my vision, like things appearing blurry.
2.7Patient Review
2/24/2014 This treatment helps me maintain my blood sugar at a safe level with type 2 diabetes.
2Patient Review
11/19/2018 I gained thirty pounds while on this medication, and my legs and feet swelled so badly I had to go to the emergency room. The doctor took me off of it immediately.
1.7Patient Review
8/3/2021 I had some serious side effects from this medication, including difficulty breathing, headaches, and blurred vision. I'm glad I stopped taking it when I did.
1.3Patient Review
4/29/2014 I was told by a diabetic nurse that these pills wouldn't be good for me in the long run.
1Patient Review
5/30/2020 I started this medication a week ago and have not seen any benefits. If anything, it's made my blood sugar more unpredictable and I'm constantly feeling either famished or fatigue. Not worth it in my opinion.
1Patient Review
9/19/2013Patient Q&A Section about pioglitazone hydrochloride
Is metformin and pioglitazone the same?
"This medicine helps patients with type 2 diabetes by helping the body use insulin better and reducing the absorption and release of sugar. It does not help patients with insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is pioglitazone Hydrochloride used for?
"Pioglitazone is a medication used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone or with other medicines, such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylurea agents. Pioglitazone works by helping your body use insulin better." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
When is the best time to take pioglitazone?
"To take pioglitazone, swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water at any time, for example in the morning or evening. Try to take pioglitazone at the same time every day." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are side effects of pioglitazone?
"Some potential side effects of taking metformin include Blurred vision or other changes in vision, flushed, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, headache, increased thirst, increased urination, muscle pain or soreness, and problems with your teeth." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer