Pioglitazone Pharmacology

Pioglitazone

About Pioglitazone
Thiazolidinedione (TZD) derivative, Insulin Sensitizer, Oral anti diabetic.
Mechanism of Action of Pioglitazone
The drug exerts antidiabetic action by acting as a selective agonist for the nuclear "peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Gama (PPAR Gama); which enhances the transcription of several insulin responsive genes. It reverses insulin resistance by stimulating GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) expression and translocation and improves entry of glucose in to muscle and adipose tissue. It also suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis. Activation of genes regulating fatty acid metabolism and lipogenesis in adipose tissue also contributes to the insulin sensitizing action of drug. It reduces blood glucose and HbA1c; improves glycaemic control and lowers circulating levels of Insulin.
It also raises HDL level and lowers serum triglyceride level without significant change in LDL level.
Pharmacokinets of Pioglitazone
Absorption: Well absorbed orally, Distribution: Widely distributed in a highly protein bound form, Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver in to metabolites; of which 3 metabolites are active. Excretion: Excreted mainly through faeces and rest is excreted through urine.
Onset of Action for Pioglitazone
N/A
Duration of Action for Pioglitazone
24 hours
Half Life of Pioglitazone
3 to 5 hours
Side Effects of Pioglitazone
1. Oedema
2. Plasma volume expansion
3. Weight gain
4. Headache
5. Myalgia
6. Mild anaemia
7. Back pain
8. Sinusitis
9. Pharyngitis
10. Upper respiratory tract infections
Contra-indications of Pioglitazone
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Hepatic impairment
3. Cogestive heart failure
4. Patients with moderately severe to severe cardiac disease(New York Heart Association class III and class IV cardiac diseases)
5. Incresed liver enzyme levels(ALT level greater than 2. 5 times than normal)
6. Type 1 diabetes mellitus
7. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Special Precautions while taking Pioglitazone
1.Cardiac diseases
2.Alcoholics
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
May be used
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated

Children Related Information
Contraindicated
Indications for Pioglitazone
1. Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (as adjunct to diet and exercise)
Interactions for Pioglitazone
N/A
Typical Dosage for Pioglitazone
Oral: Starts with 15 to 30mg once daily; Increase if required based on patient`s response in increments up to 45mg once daily.
Schedule of Pioglitazone
N/A
Storage Requirements for Pioglitazone
Store at controlled room temperature at a range of 15 to 30 degree C.; in a well closed container. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Pioglitazone
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Pioglitazone
Provide symptomatic treatment and supportive measures.

Home Delivery for Pioglitazone in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including pioglitazone.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for pioglitazone and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for pioglitazone may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take pioglitazone only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for pioglitazone before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for pioglitazone with the pharmacy.

Pioglitazone is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for pioglitazone might be better known than pioglitazone itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have pioglitazone in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for pioglitazone.