An oral hypoglycaemic drug that is used in combination with other oral hypoglycaemics (either metformin or a sulphonylurea) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Pioglitazone acts by reducing peripheral insulin resistance.
Side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances, weight gain, and anaemia.
n. see thiazolidinediones.
pl. n. a group of *oral hypoglycaemic drugs, including pioglitazone, used in the treatment of type 2 *diabetes mellitus. They act by reducing resistance of the body to its own insulin and may be taken alone or in combination with *metformin or a *sulphonylurea. Thiazolidinediones should not be used in patients with heart failure or bladder cancer or with a history of these.... thiazolidinediones
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