Piodar
Generic Name
Pioglitazone
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| piodar 15 mg tablet | ৳ 8.00 | ৳ 80.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Piodar 15 mg tablet contains Pioglitazone, an oral anti-diabetic medication used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle, fat, and liver cells.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose 15 mg or 30 mg once daily. May be increased up to 45 mg once daily based on response. Take with or without food.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment required, but monitor for fluid retention.
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min).
How to Take
Take orally once daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Mechanism of Action
Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that acts as a potent and highly selective agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). PPAR-gamma receptors are found in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver. Activation of PPAR-gamma nuclear receptors modulates the transcription of insulin-responsive genes involved in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism, leading to reduced insulin resistance.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Glycemic effects typically observed within 2 weeks, maximal effect in 2-3 months.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in urine (15-30%) and feces (55-80%) as metabolites.
Half life
Parent drug: 3-7 hours; Active metabolites: 16-24 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed orally; absolute bioavailability >80%.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 to active and inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pioglitazone or any component of the formulation.
- New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure.
- Active bladder cancer or history of bladder cancer.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
Drug Interactions
Insulin
Increased risk of hypoglycemia and fluid retention when used with insulin; monitor closely.
Rifampin
Coadministration with rifampin (a strong CYP2C8 inducer) significantly decreases pioglitazone exposure; consider increasing pioglitazone dose based on glycemic response.
Gemfibrozil
Coadministration with gemfibrozil (a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor) significantly increases pioglitazone exposure; maximum recommended dose of pioglitazone is 15 mg/day.
Oral Contraceptives
Pioglitazone may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Advise patients to use an additional method of contraception.
Storage
Store below 30°C, in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include fluid retention, heart failure, or hypoglycemia (if co-administered with insulin or sulfonylurea). Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage and supportive care are recommended.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during lactation; consider discontinuing the drug or breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
FDA approved for type 2 diabetes
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated pioglitazone's efficacy in improving glycemic control and reducing insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients. Studies such as PROactive (Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial In MacroVascular Events) investigated its cardiovascular outcomes.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST) periodically, especially before starting and during therapy.
- HbA1c levels to monitor glycemic control.
- Renal function for patients with renal impairment.
Doctor Notes
- Assess for heart failure symptoms at each visit.
- Monitor liver function periodically.
- Educate patients on symptoms of hypoglycemia, especially if on combination therapy.
- Discuss the bladder cancer risk with patients, particularly if they have risk factors.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking without consulting your doctor.
- Report any signs of heart failure (e.g., unusual weight gain, shortness of breath, swelling) immediately.
- Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Piodar is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if taken with insulin or sulfonylurea, there is a risk of hypoglycemia which can impair driving ability. Be aware of hypoglycemia symptoms.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.