What is Rosiglitazone and Metformin ?
Rosiglitazone and metformin are both medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different classes of drugs and work in different ways to help control blood sugar levels.
Rosiglitazone and Metformin Use
Metformin and Rosiglitazone: In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe a combination of metformin and rosiglitazone to help achieve better blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This combination takes advantage of the complementary mechanisms of action of the two medications.
Rosiglitazone and Metformin – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action:
- Rosiglitazone belongs to a class of medications called thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or glitazones.
- It acts primarily by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in target tissues such as adipose (fat) cells, skeletal muscle, and the liver.
Mechanism of Action:
- Metformin is a biguanide, and its mechanism of action primarily involves several interrelated effects:
- Suppression of Hepatic Glucose Production: Metformin inhibits gluconeogenesis, the process by which the liver produces glucose. This leads to a reduction in the amount of glucose released into the bloodstream.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: It enhances the sensitivity of insulin receptors, particularly in muscle cells. This means that these cells are more receptive to insulin’s signal to take up glucose.
Rosiglitazone and Metformin- Side-effects
- Weight gain
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Increased risk of bone fractures, particularly in women
- Headache
