Description of the drug

Pioglitazone is an oral antidiabetic drug that acts primarily by decreasing insulin resistance. It is used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is a non-insulin dependent diabetes. The drug improves sensitivity to insulin in muscle and adipose tissue and hinders hepatic gluconeogenesis. It improves glycemic control while reducing circulating insulin levels.

Indications and Usage

Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agent. It lowers the blood sugar by making the action of insulin more sensitive to the cells of the body. It is usually adjusted with proper diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This drug is not suitable for the type 1 diabetes, which is insulin dependent.

Dosage and Administration

1. Recommended dose

Doctors usually recommend a low dose initially and then gradually increase. The most preferred dose is 15 mg.

2. Method of Administration

Pioglitazone can be taken before or after consuming food. When you buy Pioglit 30 mg online, make a note of the administration instructions mentioned here. Also, follow the directions given by your doctor.

2. Missed dose

If you are taking twice daily, you can take the missed dose as it is safe to take most medicines up to two hours late and if you take your medicine more than twice a day, do not take the missed one. It is always safer to skip it. If you are still not sure, ask your doctor.

4. Overdose:

Immediately call the doctor in case of an accidental overdose. Overdosing of pioglitazone can be poisonous, the victim may collapse or may suffer from shortness of breath (dyspnea).

Forms and Strengths

It is available in the form of a tablet which is an oral dosage form. The different Pioglitazone strengths include Pioglit 30 mg, P-Glitz 15 mg, Pioglit MF Forte-15 mg + 850 mg, Pioglit MF-7.5/ 500 mg, Pioglit GF-30/ 2 mg, Pioglit G-15/ 2 mg. . You are advised to order Pioglit 30 mg online as per to the dosage prescribed by a medical practitioner.

Contraindications

The drug is contraindicated in patients:

 Who is allergic to any of the ingredients present in the formulation including Pioglitazone
 With established NYHA class III or IV heart failure

Warnings and precautions

Some warnings and precautions should be taken into consideration while using Pioglitazone and they are as follows:

 Fluid retention may occur and may lead to congestive heart failure (CHF). Concomitant use with insulin may increase the risk. The patient should be monitored for signs and symptoms.

 Hepatic failure, sometimes fatal, may occur. If a liver injury is detected, promptly interrupt Pioglitazone and patient should be assessed for probable cause, then the cause should be treated if possible to resolve and stabilize the condition.

 Increased incidence of fractures has also been reported in female patients. Periodic assessment of bone health is recommended.

 Bladder cancer may occur. It is suggested that the risk increases with duration of use. The drug should not be used in patients with active bladder cancer. If it is recommended, then it should be used with caution in patients with a history of bladder cancer.

 Hypoglycemia, deficiency of glucose in the blood has also been reported. When the drug is used with insulin, a lower dose of insulin may be used to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

 Macular edema, swelling of the retina in diabetic patient due to leaking of fluid retention from blood vessels within the macula (the central part of the retina) can also occur with the use of Pioglitazone.

 It is not known whether the medicine is secreted in human milk. Because many drugs excreted in mother’s milk, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue Pioglit, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Side effects

Side effects are a common sighting with Pioglitazone drugs. Some of the common side effects that one can face are:

 Headache
 Sinus infection
 Cold-like symptoms (respiratory tract infections)
 Muscle pain
 Pain in the arm
 Tooth problems
 Fluid retention
 Shortness of breath
 Swelling
 Nausea
 Rapid weight gain
 Sore throat

Drug Interactions

 Rifampin
 Carbamazepine
 Gemfibrozil
 St Johns Wort
 Itraconazole
 Lurasidone
 Insulin
 Levofloxacin
 Ciprofloxacin
 Tolbutamide
 Chlorpropamide
 Glipizide

Ingredients

The active pharmaceutical ingredient present in Pioglit tablet is Pioglitazone. It works by decreasing the insulin resistance in the periphery and in the liver that results in decreased hepatic glucose output and increased insulin-dependent glucose disposal. The drug reduces the hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperinsulinemia characteristics of insulin-resistant states such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Storage information

Pioglitazone should be stored in a safe place that is away from heat and moisture. Do not refrigerate. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Do not keep the medicine out in the open.

Manufacturer

Pioglit 30 mg is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, which is an Indian multinational company headquartered in Maharashtra.