Actos

[Pioglitazone]

Drug Description
DESCRIPTION

ACTOS (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is an oral antidiabetic agent that acts primarily by decreasing insulin resistance. ACTOS is used in the management of type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] or adult-onset diabetes). Pharmacological studies indicate that ACTOS improves sensitivity to insulin in and adipose tissue and inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis. ACTOS improves glycemic control while reducing circulating insulin levels. Pioglitazone [(±)-5-[[ 4-[ 2-( 5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl) ethoxy] phenyl] methyl]-2,4-] thiazol-idinedione monohydrochloride belongs to a different chemical class and has a different pharmacological action than the sulfonylureas, metformin, or the -glucosidase inhibitors. The molecule contains one asymmetric carbon, and the compound is synthesized and used as the racemic mixture. The two enantiomers of pioglitazone inter-convert in vivo. No differences were found in the pharmacologic activity between the two enantiomers.

Pioglitazone hydrochloride is an odorless white crystalline powder that has a molecular formula of C19H20N2O3S° HCl and a molecular weight of 392.90 daltons. It is soluble in N, N-dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, very slightly soluble in acetone and acetonitrile, practically insoluble in water, and insoluble in ether. ACTOS is available as a tablet for oral administration containing 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg of pioglitazone (as the base) formulated with the following excipients: lactose mono-hydrate NF, hydroxypropylcellulose NF, carboxymethylcellulose calcium NF, and magnesium stearate NF.