Pioglitazone is an antidiabetic drug to lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. In order for treatment to be more effective, diabetics must also berexercise regularly and adjust the diet.
Pioglitazone works by increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin, so that more glucose or sugar can be processed and used by the body. This way of working will help lower blood sugar levels. Keep in mind that the drug is not used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Pioglitazone trademark: Actos, Actosmet, Pioglitazone Hydrochloride, Prabetic, Protaz, Tazovell, Zipio M
What is Pioglitazone
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antidiabetic |
| Benefit | Lowering blood sugar in type 2 diabetes |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Pioglitazone for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether or not Pioglitazone is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and caplets |
Precautions Before Taking Pioglitazone
Pioglitazone should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Some things to consider before taking pioglitazone are:
- Do not take pioglitazone if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart failure, liver disease, bladder cancer, type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, porphyria, or an eye disorder, such as macular edema.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking pioglitazone, as this medicine can cause blurred vision or dizziness.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking pioglitazone.
Dosis and Instructions for Use Pioglitazone
To treat type 2 diabetes, the dose of pioglitazone that is generally given by doctors is 15-30 mg, 1 time a day. The dose can be increased if needed. The maximum dose is 45 mg per day.
How to Take Pioglitazone Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the pioglitazone package label before starting to take it. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Pioglitazone can be taken before or after meals. Take pioglitazone at the same time every day for maximum results.
If you forget to take pioglitazone, take the drug immediately if the interval with the next dose is not too close. Ignore and do not double the dose if it is close to the next dosing schedule.
Store pioglitazone at room temperature and in a closed container, away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Pioglitazone Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if pioglitazone is taken with certain drugs, including:
- Decreased blood levels of pioglitazone when taken with rifampicin
- Increased blood levels of pioglitazone when taken with gemfibrozil or ketoconazole
- Increased risk of developing edema or swelling due to fluid buildup in body tissues if taken with other antidiabetic drugs, such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas
Pioglitazone Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after taking pioglitazone, including:
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle ache
- Weight gain
- bloating
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Accumulation of fluid in the spaces between body cells (edema)
- Unusual fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bloody urine, bladder pain, or difficulty urinating
- Blindness or blurred vision that doesn't improve
- Easy to break bones
Although not common, pioglitazone can also cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are restlessness, cold sweats, dizziness, or palpitations. Immediately consume drinks or foods that contain sugar if you experience the above complaints. If the complaints do not subside, immediately see a doctor.
