Thiazolidinedione : Side-effects, Uses & How to take

Quick Information

1. Introduction
2. Uses
3. How to take
4. Advantages of Thiazolidinedione
5. Dosage instructions
6. Side-effects
7. Precautions

Introduction –

Thiazolidinedione is also known as glitazones belong to the group of heterocyclic compounds. This medicine binds to a receptor known as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma in adipocytes or fat cells. It promotes the deposition of fat into peripheral tissues and lowers the effects of diabetes 2 by reducing circulating fat concentrations. An increase in peripheral fat mass and weight gain are the side effects of this medicine.

Glitazones can be used in reducing blood pressure and improve lipid metabolism by enhancing the level of HDL or good cholesterol to reduce bad cholesterol and good heart health.

Uses –

Thiazolidinedione can be used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and launched in the late 1990s. It is a type of oral hypoglycemic that reduces the level of sugar level in the blood. This medicine can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other oral agents for diabetes type 2 such as sulphonylureas or metformin.  The hormone is allowed for working more effectively in reducing blood sugar by lowering the resistance of the body to insulin. This medicine also improves insulin sensitivity and helps in protecting the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

How to take –

Take this medicine through the mouth with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. You should take this medicine daily to get the most benefit from it. Do not take this medicine if you use another medicine for the treatment of diabetes type 2. You must read and follow the treatment plan, exercise program, and meal plan before taking this medicine as instructed by your doctor. During treatment, you should check your blood sugar level as instructed by your doctor.

Advantages of Thiazolidinedione –

The advantages of this medicine are to reduce blood sugar levels and maintains the ability of the pancreas for producing adequate levels of insulin. It is also used in decreasing blood pressure and improve lipid metabolism by increasing the level of good cholesterol or HDL. It also lowers the level of triglycerides-a type of fat in the blood and fat tissue.

Dosage instructions –

The dose of this medicine is based on your blood sugar level, age, gender, and response to treatment. You should try to take the correct dose of this medicine that may help in lowering the blood sugar level shortly.

• Miss dose

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  – Take this medicine immediately if you missed the dose anytime. But do not take an extra dose of this medicine to make up the dose.

• Overdose

  – If you take an overdose of this medicine then consult with your doctor as soon as possible as it may cause severe side effects.

Side-effects –

Thiazolidinedione targets an important receptor, which triggers several genes that may cause varying side effects. The most dangerous side effects of this medicine are fluid retention that causes heart failure.

There are some of the side effects after taking this medicine are given below –

• Weight gain
• Allergic skin reactions
• Problems in eyesight
• Sinus infection
• Loss of appetite
• Water retention
• Infection
• Itching
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Lowered sense of touch

But it also may cause severe side effects after using this medicine such as

• Liver failure
• Anemia
• Macular edema
• Bone fractures
• Heart diseases

If you have any severe side effects after taking this medicine in the treatment of diabetes type 2 then stop taking this medicine and immediately consult with your doctor for medical help.

Precautions –

There are several important precautions before or after taking this medicine are given below –

• Do not take this medicine if you are suffering from severe diseases such as heart problems, anemia, eye problems, and many more.
• You should consult with your doctor about your past or present health conditions before taking this medicine.
• If you are suffering from any liver problems then avoid this medicine as this medicine causes severe liver disease that is dangerous for your health.
• This medicine should not be taken if you have an allergic problem with this medicine.

During treatment, do not drive any vehicle or avoid physical activities as it may reduce the alertness or blurred vision that may increase the risk of an accident or any injury.