Pioglitazone

What is Pioglitazone?

• Pioglitazone is a diabetes drug belonging to the thiazolidinedione class, also known as "glitazones"(2)(3). It is used, along with a proper diet and exercise program, to control high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (2)(3). Pioglitazone works by helping the body use insulin better, but it does not help patients with insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes (3).

• Pioglitazone is available in different dosage forms, including tablets of 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg, which are round or oval and white in color, with various imprints (2).

• The drug is typically prescribed in combination with other medicines such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylurea agents, but it may also be used alone (3).

Pioglitazone: This medication is another treatment for type 2 diabetes that can improve glucose metabolism in the brain. It works by activating a specific receptor that helps cells better use glucose for energy.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of pioglitazone include:

  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • Weight gain
  • Tooth problems
  • Cold symptoms
  • Back pain
  • Sinusitis
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Respiratory tract infection

• Serious side effects may include:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Heart failure
  • Liver problems
  • Bone fractures
  • Macular edema (swelling in the back of the eye)

• Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Swelling in the ankles or legs
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Vision changes

Interactions

• Pioglitazone may interact with other medications, including:

  • Insulin
  • Gemfibrozil
  • Rifampin
  • Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
  • Antifungal medications
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Steroids

• Patients should inform their doctors about all the medications they are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, to avoid potential interactions**(2)**.

Time of Day and With or Without Food

• Pioglitazone can be taken with or without food**(2)**. The specific time of day for taking the medication should be determined by the patient's healthcare provider.

Human Studies

• A study on elderly mice showed that pioglitazone improved the phagocytic activity of liver-recruited macrophages, possibly by promoting glucose catabolism**(1). The drug was found to enhance the gene expression of rate-limiting enzymes for glycolysis in hepatic CD11b+ cells(1)**.

• Another study on finishing pigs investigated the synergistic effects of pioglitazone hydrochloride and chromium methionine on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant ability. The results showed positive effects on the parameters evaluated**(5)**.

To Summarize

• Pioglitazone is a diabetes drug used to control high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes**(2)(3)**.
• Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and weight gain, while serious side effects may include bladder cancer, heart failure, and liver problems**(2)(3)**.
• The drug may interact with other medications, and patients should inform their doctors about all the medications they are taking**(2)**.
• Pioglitazone can be taken with or without food, and the specific time of day for taking the medication should be determined by the patient's healthcare provider**(2)**.
• Studies have shown potential benefits of pioglitazone in improving the phagocytic activity of liver-recruited macrophages in elderly mice and enhancing growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant ability in finishing pigs**(1)(5)**.

Citations:
(1) SAGE Journals
(2) WebMD
(3) Mayo Clinic
(5) PubMed
(6) Wikipedia: Pemirolast

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