MedicinePOM

Pioglitazone Hydrochloride

A tablet that improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.

Clinical information

Common uses

type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise

Common side effects

cold-like upper respiratory infections
headache
sinusitis
muscle pain
sore throat

Cautions

boxed warning: can cause or worsen heart failure — report swelling or breathlessness
may increase bladder cancer risk
rare liver failure reported
higher fracture risk in women; low blood sugar when used with insulin

Interactions

gemfibrozil and other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (limit dose)
rifampin (lowers pioglitazone levels)
topiramate (may lower pioglitazone levels)
insulin or sulfonylureas (hypoglycaemia — dose may need lowering)

Pregnancy: only if prescribed — discuss with your doctor

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, pioglitazone hydrochloride label, setid 31619517-a590-408a-ae9e-76c99f0a0a1d (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations4

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Glito 15	Tablet	15 mg	authorized medicine importers	POM
Glito 30	Tablet	30 mg	authorized medicine importers	POM
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride	Tablet	30 mg	—	POM
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride	Tablet	15 mg	—	POM