Thiazolidinedione (PPAR gamma agonist)Boxed warning: Congestive heart failurePrescription only (Schedule H)Jan Aushadhi listedAppears in banned-combination list entries
Pioglitazone
पियोग्लिटाज़ोन
Pioglitazone is a once-daily tablet for adults with type 2 diabetes, used with diet and exercise. It is not for type 1 diabetes. It carries a boxed warning: it can cause or worsen heart failure, so weight gain and swelling need close watching.
- Generic name
- Pioglitazone
- Used for
- Improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.
- Label used
- Tablets label, oral, DailyMed set 1b77dbeb, effective 2020-01
- Prescription status (India)
- Prescription only (Schedule H) in the lists we checked
- On NLEM 2022
- Not found in the list we checked
- NPPA price ceiling
- Not listed in the lists we checked
More facts
- Jan Aushadhi
- Listed (4 product rows)
- Banned combinations
- 14 entries mention it; use the checker for your combination
Compiled from official drug labels and Indian government sources. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.
Safety at a glance
- AlcoholNot mentioned in label text
- PregnancyCaution in label textSee wording
- BreastfeedingCaution in label textSee wording
- DrivingNot mentioned in label text
- KidneyNot mentioned in label text
- LiverCaution in label textSee wording
Taken only from the label text cited on this page. "Not mentioned" does not mean safe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is pioglitazone used for?
The label describes pioglitazone as an add-on to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
It works only when the body still makes some insulin. The label says it should not be used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Type 2 diabetes in adults, with diet and exercise
- Not for type 1 diabetes
- Not for diabetic ketoacidosis
It helps control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Source1
How does pioglitazone work?
The label describes pioglitazone as a thiazolidinedione that acts on a receptor called PPAR gamma. It states that its blood sugar effect needs insulin to be present in the body.
The label we reviewed does not describe the mechanism in more detail.
It acts on a body receptor and needs some natural insulin to work.
Source1
How is pioglitazone usually taken?
This page covers the US label for pioglitazone tablets taken by mouth, with the dosing the label gives for adults.
This is label-level information, not personal advice. Indian pack labels may differ, and your prescriber's instruction always comes first.
For adults, the label describes starting at 15 mg or 30 mg once daily. The starting dose is 15 mg once daily for people with mild heart failure (NYHA Class I or II).
The label describes raising the dose in 15 mg steps to a maximum of 45 mg once daily, based on blood sugar response (HbA1c).
The tablet is taken once daily and can be taken with or without meals. Liver tests are described as being done before starting.
- Once daily, with or without meals
- Start 15 mg or 30 mg
- Maximum 45 mg once daily
- Liver tests before starting
It is taken once a day, with or without food, at a dose set by the doctor.
Source1
What are the side effects of pioglitazone?
Common
- The label lists upper respiratory infection, headache, sinusitis, muscle pain and sore throat as the most common effects (5% or more).
- Upper respiratory infection
- Headache
- Sinusitis
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
Serious: get help
- Serious effects discussed in the label include heart failure, swelling (edema) and bone fractures.
Common effects are cold-like symptoms and headache; heart failure and swelling can be serious.
Source1
Who should be careful with pioglitazone?
The boxed warning says pioglitazone can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. It is not recommended in symptomatic heart failure, and starting it in NYHA Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated.
It is also contraindicated in people with known allergy to pioglitazone or any component. The label advises caution in liver disease.
The label we reviewed does not describe pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Boxed warning: heart failure
- Do not start in NYHA Class III or IV heart failure
- Known allergy to pioglitazone
- Caution in liver disease
- Not for type 1 diabetes
It can cause or worsen heart failure, so watch for weight gain, breathlessness and swelling.
Source1
What medicines interact with pioglitazone?
- Gemfibrozil and other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors
- Rifampin and other CYP2C8 inducers
- Topiramate
- Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors such as gemfibrozil raise pioglitazone levels, and the label limits the dose to 15 mg daily with them.
- CYP2C8 inducers such as rifampin, and topiramate, may lower pioglitazone levels.
No match in this label text. Ask your pharmacist about any medicine you take.
Gemfibrozil raises its levels; rifampin and topiramate may lower them.
Source1
How should pioglitazone be stored?
The label gives a storage range of 15 to 30 degrees C.
The label also says to protect it from light, keep it away from moisture, keep the container tightly closed.
Follow the storage line on your own pack, and keep medicines out of the reach of children.
Follow the storage instructions on your pack.
Source1
Is pioglitazone a prescription medicine in India?
In the Drugs Rules schedules we checked, pioglitazone is listed under Schedule H (serial and rule: Schedule H, serial 401 (rules 65 and 97)). Schedule H medicines are sold only on a registered doctor's prescription.
We did not find pioglitazone on the National List of Essential Medicines 2022 in the list we checked.
The Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) list we checked has 4 product rows that mention pioglitazone. We did not capture prices for them.
The banned fixed-dose combination list we checked has 14 entries that mention pioglitazone. This does not mean the single medicine is banned. Use our checker for a specific combination.
Prescription medicine (Schedule H), not found on NLEM 2022.
What is the price ceiling for pioglitazone?
Jan Aushadhi lists pioglitazone products including Pioglitazone Tablets IP 30mg 30mg; Pioglitazone 15mg and Metformin 500mg Sustained Release Tablets 15mg; Pioglitazone Tablets IP 15 mg 15 mg; Pioglitazone + Glimepiride Tablet (15/2 Mg) 2 Mg. We have not shown a price for them. Check the pack and the seller for the actual price.
NPPA lists per-unit ceilings where a formulation is scheduled. Check the pack and seller.
Source2
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink alcohol while taking pioglitazone?
The label we reviewed does not say. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Source1
Is pioglitazone safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
The label we reviewed does not describe pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Source1
Should pioglitazone be taken with food?
The label says it can be taken once daily without regard to meals. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your case.
Source1
Can pioglitazone affect driving or alertness?
The label we reviewed does not say. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Source1
Can children or older adults take pioglitazone?
The label describes use in adults with type 2 diabetes. It does not describe children. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Source1
Sources
- 1U.S. FDA-approved label (DailyMed) (1b77dbeb-61d1-4df3-872b-2f4f75a110db) Open source · 2026-10-15
- 2PMBJP (Jan Aushadhi) product list (p6:sno129) Open source · 2026-10-15
- 3Drugs Rules 1945, Schedules (2022 consolidation) (Schedule H, Schedule H, serial 401 (rules 65 and 97)) Open source · 2026-10-15
Compiled by software from the sources above and checked by automated rules. Last checked: 2026-10-15 · How we use sources · Report a correction
This information is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. It does not tell you what dose you personally should take. In an emergency call 112.