Not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Pioglitazone requires a valid prescription.
Pioglitazone
Generic Name: PIOGLITAZONE HYDROCHLORIDE
Pioglitazone tablets are a thiazolidinedione and an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma that contains an oral antidiabetic medication: pioglitazone.
Data last updated: 30 March 2026 · Source: openFDA.gov, DailyMed (NLM/NIH)
Common Brand Names in India:
What is Pioglitazone Used For?
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- These settings
How Does It Work?
Pioglitazone is an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ).
Dosage & Administration
- Initiate pioglitazone tablets at 15 mg or 30 mg once daily.
- Limit initial dose to 15 mg once daily in patients with NYHA Class I or II heart failure. If there is inadequate glycemic control, the dose can be increased in 15 mg increments up to a maximum of 45 mg once daily. Obtain liver tests before starting pioglitazone tablets.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention)
Warnings & Precautions
- Congestive heart failure: Fluid retention may occur and can exacerbate or lead to congestive heart failure.
- Combination use with insulin and use in congestive heart failure NYHA Class I and II may increase risk.
- Monitor patients for signs and symptoms. Hypoglycemia: When used with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, a lower dose of the insulin or insulin secretagogue may be needed to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Hepatic effects: Postmarketing reports of hepatic failure, sometimes fatal.
- Do not restart pioglitazone if liver injury is confirmed and no alternate etiology can be found. Bladder cancer: May increase the risk of bladder cancer.
- Do not use in patients with active bladder cancer.
Who Should NOT Take This?
- Initiation in patients with established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure [see Boxed Warning ].
- Use in patients with known hypersensitivity to pioglitazone or any other component of pioglitazone tablets.
- Initiation in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure [see Boxed Warning ] . (4) Use in patients with known hypersensitivity to pioglitazone or any other component of pioglitazone tablets. (4)
Drug Interactions
Pioglitazone may interact with the following medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Speak to a diabetologist on Zospital
Consult a diabetologist on Zospital before starting Pioglitazone. Verified Indian specialists available for in-clinic and online consultations.
Other Diabetes Medicines
Sources: openFDA.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · nlm.nih.gov (RxNorm). Information is for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before use.
FAQS
Pioglitazone – Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pioglitazone, its uses, dosage and safety.
Pioglitazone is commonly prescribed in India for: Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, These settings. Always confirm the indication with a registered medical practitioner before starting any course.
Pioglitazone is sold in India under brand names such as Actos, Pioz, Piozone, Glitazone. You can also find it on online pharmacies like 1mg, Pharmeasy and Apollo Pharmacy.
Pioglitazone is a prescription-only (Schedule H) medicine in India. You will need a valid prescription from a registered MBBS / MD doctor to purchase it from a licensed pharmacy.
Common side effects of Pioglitazone can include: Diarrhea, Headache, Dizziness, Back pain, Weight gain. Less common but serious side effects can include: Severe, Serious, Fatal, Death, Hepatotoxicity. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if any of these appear.
Pioglitazone is an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ).
Pioglitazone can interact with: Topiramate, Administration, Clinical. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take — including ayurvedic and homeopathy preparations — before starting Pioglitazone.
Indian guidelines often recommend lower starting doses of Pioglitazone for patients above 60-65, since kidney and liver function decline with age. A doctor should review the dose, especially if the patient already takes BP, sugar or heart medicines.
Pregnancy safety of Pioglitazone depends on the trimester and individual case. Indian gynaecologists usually avoid Category C/D drugs unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Speak to your obstetrician before taking Pioglitazone during pregnancy or while planning conception.
Prices in India typically range from ₹30 – ₹250 per strip of 10 tablets depending on brand. Generic versions tend to cost 30-60% less than branded ones, and Jan Aushadhi outlets often stock the lowest-priced equivalents. Check 1mg or Pharmeasy for live MRP.
If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Frequent missed doses reduce Pioglitazone's effectiveness, so consider setting a reminder or speaking to your doctor about a simpler schedule.
You can book an in-person or online consultation with a verified Indian specialist on Zospital — visit the doctor directory at https://zospital.com/doctor to find one near you.
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.