Pioglitazone hydrochloride (HCL) is a type of diabetes medication used to control blood glucose levels. Chemically, pioglitazone is classified as a thiazolidinedione, which has agonist activities on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) gamma.
The drug is supplied in the dosage strength of 15mg. In addition, it is available in concentrations of 30mg and 45mg. The drug comes with a product insert, which should be read carefully before use.
Pioglitazone is used as to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus (particularly type II diabetes). This medicine is intended for the treatment of type II diabetes only. It is ineffective in treating patients with type I diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. This is because the drug can only exert its antihyperglycemic actions in the presence of endogenous insulin. For best results, this diabetes medicine should be used in combination with non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and diet. Pioglitazone should be used cautiously in patients who have liver diseases.
Patients should use pioglitazone as part of their diabetes management. When used together with exercise and diet, it significantly improves glycemic control in individuals with type II diabetes. Being FDA-approved, pioglitazone is clinically proven safe and effective.