ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/pioglitazone
US brand names:Actos
Pioglitazone is dosed at 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q24h in cats, per Corroborated 2026-07-31: Clark M et al. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28(1):166-174. doi:10.1111/jvim.12255 PMID:24592408 - cat, pioglitazone 1 or 3 mg/kg PO q24h for 7 wk in obese non-diabetic cats; insulin sensitivity improved only at 3 mg/kg. — https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12255. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
PPARgamma agonist that improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues by enhancing adipocyte differentiation and glucose transporter expression.
Hepatotoxicity risk — monitor liver enzymes. Weight gain and fluid retention. Limited veterinary use — investigational for insulin-resistant diabetic cats.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q24h | Extrapolated | Corroborated 2026-07-31: Clark M et al. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28(1):166-174. doi:10.1111/jvim.12255 PMID:24592408 - cat, pioglitazone 1 or 3 mg/kg PO q24h for 7 wk in obese non-diabetic cats; insulin sensitivity improved only at 3 mg/kg. — https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12255 |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.