Pioglitazone Uses

Pioglitazone is used to control blood glucose levels and treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) or diabetic ketoacidosis. 

There may be other uses of pioglitazone—your health system pharmacists or doctor can give you further drug information.

Pioglitazone Mechanism of Action

Pioglitazone makes the body more sensitive to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays an important role in glycemic control.

Pioglitazone Doses

Pioglitazone is available as 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg tablets.

Actos monotherapy (pioglitazone alone) in adults is usually started at a dose of 15 mg or 30 mg once daily if you have not achieved glycemic control with diet and exercise alone. If needed, the dose can be increased up to 45 mg per day, which is the maximum recommended dose. If you do not respond adequately to pioglitazone alone, your doctor may recommend combination therapy with other diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas, metformin, or insulin.