What is the brand name for Pioglitazone?
The brand name for Pioglitazone is Actos.
PTCB TOP 200 · #133
Pioglitazone
Actos
Pioglitazone is the generic name for the brand-name drug Actos. It is a thiazolidinedione (tzd) used to treat type 2 diabetes. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Pioglitazone ranks #133 and is one of the most frequently tested endocrine/diabetes medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Pioglitazone |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Actos |
| Drug class | Thiazolidinedione (TZD) |
| Class group | Endocrine/Diabetes |
| Common use | type 2 diabetes |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Pioglitazone used for?
Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What drug class is Pioglitazone?
Pioglitazone is a Thiazolidinedione (TZD) in the Endocrine/Diabetes group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Pioglitazone
- arrow_rightEdema
- arrow_rightWeight gain
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightUpper respiratory infection
- arrow_rightBack pain
- arrow_rightFracture risk
Major interactions
- arrow_rightInsulin → increased edema/heart failure risk
- arrow_rightGemfibrozil (CYP2C8 inhibitor) → ↑ pioglitazone exposure
- arrow_rightRifampin (CYP2C8 inducer) → ↓ pioglitazone exposure
- arrow_rightMay reduce efficacy of some oral contraceptives (monitor)
Is Pioglitazone a controlled substance?
No. Pioglitazone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE. Thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone, can cause or exacerbate heart failure; monitor and discontinue or reduce dose if HF develops.
How to remember Pioglitazone (PTCE mnemonic)
ACTOS ACTivates PPAR-γ — pio-GLITAZONE is TZD. 'PIO = PUFFY' (edema, weight gain) → HF boxed warning; bladder cancer risk; bone fractures in women.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
The TZD boxed warning IS the question: pioglitazone causes fluid retention and can worsen heart failure — avoided in significant HF.
Pioglitazone FAQ
What is Pioglitazone used for?
Pioglitazone is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What drug class is Pioglitazone?
Pioglitazone is a Thiazolidinedione (TZD) (Endocrine/Diabetes group).
Is Pioglitazone a controlled substance?
No. Pioglitazone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Pioglitazone
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
LASA (look-alike/sound-alike) drugsthe name pairs most often mixed up
Sig codes cheat sheetthe abbreviations on this drug's labelSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Pioglitazone the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the Endocrine/Diabetes group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).