Dangerous Drug: Pioglitazone



Dangerous Drug: Pioglitazone





(pie oh glit’ ah zohn)

Actos, Apo-Pioglitazone (CAN), ratio-Pioglitazone (CAN)

PREGNANCY CATEGORY C


Drug Classes

Antidiabetic

Thiazolidinedione


Therapeutic Actions

Resensitizes tissues to insulin; stimulates insulin receptor sites to lower blood glucose and improve the action of insulin; decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and increases insulin-dependent muscle glucose uptake.


Indications



  • Monotherapy as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes


  • As part of combination with a sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin when diet, exercise plus a single agent alone do not result in adequate glycemic control in type 2 diabetes


  • Unlabeled uses: Polycystic ovary syndrome; prevention of stent restenosis



Available Forms

Tablets—15, 30, 45 mg


Dosages

Adults

15–30 mg daily as a single oral dose; if adequate response is not seen, dosage may be increased to a maximum 45 mg daily PO.



  • Combination therapy with sulfonylurea or metformin: 15–30 mg daily PO added to the established dose of the other agent; if hypoglycemia occurs, reduce the dose of the other agent.



  • Combination therapy with insulin: Initiate pioglitazone at 15 or 30 mg PO while maintaining insulin dose. Decrease insulin dose by 10%–25% if hypoglycemic or if glucose is less than 100 mg/dL.

Pediatric patients

Safety and efficacy not established.

Patients with hepatic impairment

Use caution and monitor patient closely. Do not administer if ALT exceeds 2.5 times the upper limit of normal.

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Jul 21, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Dangerous Drug: Pioglitazone

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