pioglitazone hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Thiazolidinedione, also called a glitazone.
Main use
Improving blood-glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Food
The tablet may be taken with or without food.
Low blood sugar
Uncommon when used alone, but the risk rises with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
What is pioglitazone hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed for adults with type 2 diabetes when glycaemic control remains inadequate. Licensed settings include:
Use alone when metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated.
Use alongside metformin.
Use alongside a sulfonylurea when metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated.
Use alongside metformin and a sulfonylurea.
Use with insulin when control remains inadequate and metformin is unsuitable.
How does pioglitazone hydrochloride work?
Pioglitazone activates PPAR-gamma nuclear receptors, increasing insulin sensitivity in fat, skeletal muscle and liver cells. This improves glucose uptake and reduces glucose production by the liver; it depends on the body still producing insulin.
pioglitazone hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg
How to take pioglitazone hydrochloride
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions. Swallow the tablet with water; it may be taken with or without food.
Use a consistent routine to help avoid forgotten tablets.
Do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
pioglitazone hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Weight gain
- Ankle or leg swelling from fluid retention
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Reduced skin sensation
- Temporary visual disturbance
- Low blood sugar when used with insulin, a sulfonylurea or certain other diabetes treatments
- Bone fractures, particularly reported in women
Get urgent medical advice
- Fluid retention causing or worsening heart failure
- Severe allergic reaction
- Liver injury, including jaundice
- Visible blood in urine or other symptoms requiring assessment for bladder disease
- New or worsening macular oedema with reduced vision
pioglitazone hydrochloride in pregnancy
Pioglitazone should not be used during pregnancy because human safety information is inadequate. Anyone planning pregnancy should discuss treatment with their diabetes team; after an unplanned pregnancy, obtain an early specialist review rather than stopping diabetes treatment without advice.
pioglitazone hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Pioglitazone is not recommended while breastfeeding because transfer into human milk and effects on the infant are unknown. Insulin or metformin are generally preferred; specialist advice is appropriate when considering alternatives.
pioglitazone hydrochloride interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products. Important examples include:
Insulin
Combined use increases fluid retention, heart-failure and hypoglycaemia risks, so closer clinical monitoring may be needed.
Sulfonylureas
The combination can increase the likelihood of low blood sugar.
Gemfibrozil
It inhibits CYP2C8 and can substantially increase pioglitazone exposure and adverse effects.
Rifampicin
It induces CYP2C8 and can reduce pioglitazone exposure, potentially weakening glucose control.
Common questions about pioglitazone hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is pioglitazone hydrochloride used for?
It improves blood-glucose control in selected adults with type 2 diabetes, either alone when metformin is unsuitable or alongside other diabetes treatments.
How does pioglitazone hydrochloride lower blood sugar?
It makes liver, muscle and fat cells more sensitive to insulin, helping the body use glucose more effectively.
Can pioglitazone hydrochloride be taken with food?
Yes. The tablet may be taken with or without food and swallowed with water.
Does pioglitazone hydrochloride cause low blood sugar?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.