Stem Cell Patch to Heal Damaged Hearts
November 11, 2025
Free CME credits
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
Brand Name :
Actos
(United States) [OTC]Synonyms :
pioglitazona, pioglitazonum
Class :
Antidiabetics, Thiazolidinediones
Brand Name :
Actos
(United States) [OTC]Synonyms :
pioglitazona, pioglitazonum
Class :
Antidiabetics, Thiazolidinediones
AdultÂ
Dosage forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
15mgÂ
30mgÂ
45mg Â
If co-administered with insulin secretagogue, decrease the quantity of secretagogue
If co-administered with insulin, decrease the dose of insulin by 10-25%
If co-administered with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, limit the maximum dose of pioglitazone to 10 mg each day
:
pioglitazone is indicated as a monotherapy or in combination with insulin/insulin secretagogues
Initially 15-30 mg orally each day with meals
Increase the dose by 15 mg, monitor carefully and do not increase the dose more than 45 mg per day
Also monitor the Alanine Transaminase level at the beginning of the treatment
Continue the check every month for 12 months, and then every 3 months thereafter
Not recommended for pediatricsÂ
Refer to the adult dosingÂ
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP2C8 inhibitors
my increase the hypoglycemic effect of Sulfonylureas
choline magnesium trisalicylate
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
garcinia along with other antidiabetic drugs will lead to abrupt decease in blood sugar levels
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the hypoglycemic effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect of corticosteroids
ciprofloxacin inhaled (Pending FDA approval)Â
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Quinolones
may diminish the therapeutic effect of hyperglycaemia associated agents
the effect of baricitinb is increased by pioglitazone
spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
choline magnesium trisalicylate
salicylates may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the toxic effects
may increase the toxic effects
may increase the toxic effects
may increase the toxic effects
may increase the toxic effects
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
choline magnesium trisalicylate
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
Beta-blockers increase the effect of hypoglycemia of antidiabetic agents
Beta-blockers increase the effect of hypoglycemia of antidiabetic agents
Beta-blockers increase the effect of hypoglycemia of antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
relugolix/​estradiol/​norethindrone
androgens increase the effect of hypoglycemia in these agents
relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone
androgens increase the effect of hypoglycemia in these agents
It may enhance toxicity when combined with cholic acid by diminishing the elimination
When halometasone is used together with pioglitazone, this leads to elevated risk or seriousness of hyperglycemia
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
blood sugar levels can be seen additionally reduced when antidiabetic drugs are used in combination with anti glaucoma agents
methylprednisolone hemisuccinateÂ
When methylprednisolone hemisuccinate is aided with pioglitazone, this leads to elevated hyperglycemia risk
beta-Blockers may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic Agents
beta-Blockers may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic Agents
beta-Blockers may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic Agents
beta-Blockers may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic Agents
beta-Blockers may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic Agents
antiviral Agents may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of anti-diabetic Agents
antiviral Agents may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of anti-diabetic Agents
antiviral Agents may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of anti-diabetic Agents
antiviral Agents may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of anti-diabetic Agents
antiviral Agents may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of anti-diabetic Agents
May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may diminish the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic Agents
may diminish the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic Agents
may diminish the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic Agents
may diminish the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic Agents
may diminish the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonists
may diminish the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonists
may diminish the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonists
may diminish the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonists
may diminish the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonists
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with blood Glucose lowering effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with blood Glucose lowering effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with blood Glucose lowering effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with blood Glucose lowering effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of agents with blood glucose lowering effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of agents with blood glucose lowering effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of agents with blood glucose lowering effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of agents with blood glucose lowering effects
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of agents with blood glucose lowering effects
beta-blockers may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
beta-blockers may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
beta-blockers may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
beta-blockers may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
beta-blockers may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect
choline magnesium trisalicylate
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect
it increases the effect of hypoglycemia of antidiabetic agents
it increases the effect of hypoglycemia of antidiabetic agents
it decreases the efficacy of antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of hyperglycemia agents
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of androgens
may decrease the therapeutic effect
may diminish the therapeutic effect of corticosteroids
may increase the hypoglycemic effect of quinolones
may increase the hypoglycemic effect of beta blockers
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of beta blockers
hydrochlorothiazide/aliskirenÂ
may diminish the therapeutic effect of thiazide and thiazide like diuretics
lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazideÂ
may enhance the serum concentration of thiazide and thiazide like diuretics
methyldopa/hydrochlorothiazideÂ
may diminish the therapeutic effect of thiazide and thiazide like diuretics
may increase the hypoglycemic effect of direct-acting viral agents
may increase the hypoglycemic effect of direct-acting antiviral agents
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of beta blockers
may increase the effect of antidiabetic agents
may increase the effect of antidiabetic agents
may increase the effect of antidiabetic agents
may increase the effect of antidiabetic agents
may increase the effect of antidiabetic agents
may increase the effect of antidiabetic agents
may increase the hypoglycemic effect of salicylates
may increase the hypoglycemic effect of hypoglycemia-associated agents
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
relugolix/​estradiol/​norethindrone
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may diminish the therapeutic effect
may diminish the therapeutic effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
estrogens esterified/methyltestosterone            Â
may increase the hypoglycemic effect of androgens
drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolateÂ
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents
may increase the Glucose-lowering effect of Antidiabetic Agents
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
cyproterone and ethinyl estradiolÂ
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
etilefrine: they may decrease the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
Actions and Spectrum:Â
pioglitazone belongs to a class of medications called thiazolidinediones, or glitazones. It works by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.Â
The spectrum of pioglitazone’s action includes:Â
Frequency definedÂ
>10%Â
Upper respiratory infectionÂ
HypoglycemiaÂ
1-10%Â
Headache Â
Heart failure Â
Sinusitis Â
Fracture of bone Â
Pharyngitis Â
Myalgia Â
Frequency not definedÂ
NauseaÂ
DiarrheaÂ
Black Box Warning:Â
The warning states that “Thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients. Â
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Contraindications:Â
Cautions:Â
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
Category BÂ
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
No data is available about the excretion of pioglitazone in breastmilk.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Pharmacology:Â
The pharmacology of pioglitazone includes several mechanisms of action:Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
The pharmacodynamics of pioglitazone involves its interactions with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) receptors in the nucleus of cells. Once pioglitazone enters the body, it binds to PPAR-gamma receptors and activates them. The activated receptors then trigger a cascade of molecular events that result in several effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.Â
pioglitazone’s primary pharmacodynamic effect is the improvement of insulin sensitivity, which leads to increased glucose uptake and utilization in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. This effect occurs due to the activation of PPAR-gamma receptors in these tissues, resulting in increased expression of insulin-sensitive glucose transporters and enzymes involved in glucose utilization.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
Onset of action takes delayed timeÂ
The duration of action is 24 hoursÂ
The peak plasma concentration is achieved in 2-4 hours (the effect gets delayed with food)Â
DistributionÂ
The protein bound is more than 99%Â
The volume of distribution is 0.63 L/kgÂ
MetabolismÂ
The drug is metabolized by hepatic CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 and into active metabolitesÂ
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The half-life is 3-7 hoursÂ
The drug is excreted 15-30% in urine
Administration:Â
pioglitazone is usually taken once daily, with or without food. The recommended starting dose of pioglitazone is usually 15 to 30 mg daily, and the maximum dose is 45 mg daily. The dosage may be increased gradually under the guidance of a healthcare professional based on the patient’s response and tolerability.Â
pioglitazone should be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken.Â
It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by the healthcare professional and not to exceed the recommended dose. Taking more pioglitazone than prescribed can increase the risk of side effects.Â
pioglitazone can be taken alone or in combination with other medications for diabetes, such as metformin or insulin. If pioglitazone is being used in combination with insulin, the dose of insulin may need to be adjusted to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia.Â
If a dose of pioglitazone is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: pioglitazoneÂ
Pronounced: PYE-o-GLIT-a-zoneÂ
Why do we use pioglitazone?Â
pioglitazone is used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body is unable to effectively use insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. The medication works by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing it to better regulate blood sugar levels.Â
Pioglitazone is typically prescribed in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It may also be used in combination with other medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.Â
Some specific reasons why pioglitazones may be used to treat type 2 diabetes include:Â
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
On course completion, you will receive a full-sized presentation quality digital certificate.
A dynamic medical simulation platform designed to train healthcare professionals and students to effectively run code situations through an immersive hands-on experience in a live, interactive 3D environment.
When you have your licenses, certificates and CMEs in one place, it's easier to track your career growth. You can easily share these with hospitals as well, using your medtigo app.
