Rezulin: Medical Facts and Uses

Rezulin is an oral anti hyperglycemic drug. It contains Troglitazone as its main active ingredient. It is used to manage type II diabetes or diabetes mellitus. It is non-insulin dependant type of diabetes. Rezulin decreases insulin resistance. It makes muscles and adipose tissues more responsive to insulin. It helps to improve body respond to insulin. It controls blood sugar level by reducing sugar produced in liver. Troglitazone has hepatic gluconeogenesis properties. .

This drug is also used for purposes other than listed in medication guide by doctors on basis of their clinical judgment. Troglitazone has been withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2000.

Composition

Rezulin or Troglitazone is a drug for management of type II diabetes. Its chemical name is (+-5[[4-[(3,4-dihydro-6- hydroxy-2,5.7,8-tetramethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl) methoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4- thiazolidinedione. Its chemical formula is C24H2NO5S. Its molecular weight is 441.55.

Troglitazone is a white to yellowish powder having crystalline nature. It inhibits a faint odor. It is sparingly soluble ethyl acetate. It is insoluble in water. It is slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, acetonitrile and ether. It is completely soluble in N, N-dimethylformamide and acetone.

Rezulin comes in 200, 300 and 400 mg tablets. It contains croscarmellose sodium, , hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 400, polysorbate 80, povidone, purified water, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, and synthetic iron oxides as inactive ingredients. It’s an oral drug.

Uses of Rezulin

Rezulin is used for management of type II diabetes or Diabetes mellitus. It is non-insulin dependant type of diabetes. Rezulin decreases insulin resistance. It makes muscles and adipose tissues more responsive to insulin. It helps to improve body respond to insulin. It controls blood sugar level by reducing sugar produced in liver.

Precautions before using Rezulin
One should take care of following things before using Rezulin.

The most important thing to know about Rezulin is that it has been withdrawn from U.S. market on 21st March 2000.
Get your liver function regularly monitored, while using Rezulin. You need a monthly monitoring in the first year and quarterly monitoring from second year onwards, while using this medicine.
Avoid excessive exercise, while using this drug as it may lead to hypoglycemia. Though regular exercise is needed.
Do not skip meal or consume alcohol, while using this drug as it may adversely affect you by further reducing sugar level.
If you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant do not use this medicine. Use a method of birth control, while using this drug.
Tell your doctor immediately if you get pregnant, while using this drug.
Do not use this medicine if you are a nursing mother as it could harm your child.
Tell your doctor before taking Rezulin, if you have any type of liver disease.
Tell your doctor before taking Rezulin, if you have any type of kidney disease.
Tell your doctor before taking Rezulin, if you have any type of heart disease.
Tell your doctor before taking Rezulin, if you have thyroid problem.
Consult your doctor before going for this medicine, if you have type I diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you are suffering from any infection, injury or illness and if you are going for a surgery.
Do not take any other medicine without consulting your doctor, while using Rezulin.
Stick to your routine of your diet, medication, and exercise.
Immediately call your doctor if any symptom of hypoglycemia such as headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea occurs.
It could cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or unusual fatigue. These could be a symptom of liver damage, so immediately call doctor, if these symptoms occur.
It could also produce other symptoms of liver damage such as loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. Immediately seek medical help in such a condition.
Troglitazone could lead to reduction in effects of some birth control pills. A higher dose of birth control pills or other contraception is used to avoid pregnancy , while using this drug.
It is advisable to carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets as it will help you to retain the sugar level if you develop episodes of low blood sugar.