Pioglitazone
Generic Details
Generic Name
Pioglitazone
Other Names
- Actos
Drug Class
- Thiazolidinedione
Chemical Formula
C19H20N2O3S
Molecular Weight
356.438 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) to increase insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
Indications
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 15-45 mg once daily with or without food
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Dosage adjustment may be required in the elderly
Side Effects
- Edema
- Weight gain
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Headache
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pioglitazone
- Heart failure
Pregnancy Category
- C
Lactation Safety
- Not recommended during lactation
Drug Interactions
- Insulin
- Gemfibrozil
- Rifampin
Overdose Symptoms
- Hypoglycemia
Antidote for Overdose
- Give glucose or other carbohydrates
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration
- Distribution: Extensively bound to plasma proteins
- Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver via CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 enzymes
- Excretion: Excreted primarily in the urine
Precautions
- Monitor liver function tests regularly
- Assess for signs of heart failure
Warnings
- May cause or exacerbate heart failure
- Risk of bladder cancer