Pioglitazone

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Antidiabetic Drug

Drug class: Thiazolidinedione

Pioglitazone (ACTOS) (中文:吡格列酮)

Pronunciation[edit]

Pioglitazone 30mg[edit]

Common Strengths of Pioglitazone[edit]

Pioglitazone is available in three strengths:

  • 15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg tablets

Drug Trade Names of Pioglitazone[edit]

Actos is the trade name for pioglitazone.

It is also sold under various brand names when combined with other medications, such as:

  • ACTOSMET TABLET 15MG/850MG: Pioglitazone 15mg + Metformin 850mg
  • OSENI TABLET 25MG/15MG: Alogliptin 25mg + pioglitazone 15mg
  • OSENI TABLET 25MG/30MG: Alogliptin 25mg + pioglitazone 30mg

Drug Usage[edit]

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues (in fat, muscle and liver tissues).

Route of Administration[edit]

Pioglitazone is administered orally in tablet form.

Dosages[edit]

  • Initially, 15 - 30 mg once daily, may increase to 45 mg once daily
  • Heart failure (NYHA Class I-II): Start at 15 mg once daily
  • No dose adjustment is needed for hypertension or mild-moderate renal impairment
  • Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min): Use with caution, start at a lower dose


Side Effects[edit]

Frequency Adverse reactions
Common Upper respiratory tract infection
Weight gain
Edema
Sinusitis
Myalgia
Visual disturbances
Uncommon Flatulence
Insomnia
Liver dysfunction
Macular edema
Bladder cancer

Pharmacokinetics[edit]

  • Absorption
    • Well absorbed orally. The peak effect reached approximately 2 hours after administration.
  • Metabolism
    • Primarily metabolized in the liver via CYP2C8.
  • Excretion
    • Mainly excreted in faeces; 15 - 30% excreted in urine.
  • Half-life
    • 3 to 7 hours.
  • Drug duration
    • up to 24 hours

Drug Precautions[edit]

Pregnancy

Not recommended, potential risk of fetal harm.

Breastfeeding

Not recommended.

Children and Elderly

  • Children: Safety and efficacy not established
  • Elderly: No dose adjustment required, use with caution

Renal Impairment

Use with caution in severe impairment

Monitoring Requirements

  • Liver function tests
  • Hemoglobin
  • Blood glucose
  • HbA1c

Drug Interactions

May interact with gemfibrozil, rifampicin, CYP2C8 inhibitors/inducers

FAQ[edit]

How Should I Take the Tablet?

Take a tablet once daily with or without food.

What Should I Avoid While Taking?

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.