Description

Pioglitazone and Glimepride is a combination medication used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It combines two different classes of oral anti-diabetic agents: a thiazolidinedione (Pioglitazone) and a sulfonylurea (Glimepride). This dual-action approach helps manage high blood sugar levels in adults when a single medication is not sufficient.

Indicatio

This combination therapy is indicated for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It is typically prescribed for patients who:

• Are already being treated with a combination of pioglitazone and a sulfonylurea.
• Have inadequate glycemic control on a sulfonylurea alone.
• Have initially responded to pioglitazone alone but require additional glycemic control

Mechanism of Action

The effectiveness of this combination lies in its synergistic effect, addressing both insulin resistance and insulin secretion.

• Pioglitazone (Thiazolidinedione): Pioglitazone is a potent and selective agonist for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). By activating this nuclear receptor, it influences the transcription of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. This action primarily enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin in key tissues like muscle, fat, and the liver, leading to improved glucose uptake and utilization. It works to combat insulin resistance, which is a key characteristic of Type 2 diabetes.

• Glimepride (Sulfonylurea): Glimepride’s primary mechanism is to stimulate the release of insulin from the functioning beta cells in the pancreas. It works by binding to ATP-sensitive potassium channels on the surface of these beta cells, which leads to their depolarization and the subsequent influx of calcium. This increase in intracellular calcium triggers the exocytosis of insulin granules, increasing the amount of insulin in the bloodstream and helping to lower blood glucose levels.