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molecule

Tolbutamide

Molecule Description

Tolbutamide is an oral hypoglycemic medicine that is used to control blood suga

r levels in patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

uses

Uses of Tolbutamide

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
contraindications

Contraindications of Tolbutamide

When should one not use Tolbutamide

  • Allergic to Tolbutamide
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes with rapid weight loss, nausea or vomiting)
  • Diabetic coma
  • Severe kidney, liver, thyroid or adrenal gland disease
  • Unusual stressful conditions
  • Porphyria (a hereditary disorder affecting the liver or bone marrow)
sideEffects

Side effects of Tolbutamide

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Sudden sweating
  • Shaking
  • Faster heartbeat
  • Blurred vision
  • Unsteadiness
  • Tingling in hands and feet
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Easy bruising and bleeding
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Disturbances in liver function
  • Sensitivity to light, skin rashes
  • Anaemia
  • Low blood sugar
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Tolbutamide

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Tolbutamide during pregnancy?
A:
This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy. If you have already planned a pregnancy, you should consult with your doctor.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Tolbutamide while breastfeeding?
A:
It is not recommended in patients who are breastfeeding. It may affect the newborn baby.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Tolbutamide?
A:
It may affect your driving ability if your blood sugar is lowered (hypoglycaemia) or raised (hyperglycaemia) or if you develop visual problems as a result of such conditions. Be cautious if you opt to drive.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Tolbutamide?
A:
It would help if you strictly restricted drinking alcohol when taking this medicine as it may cause severe reactions.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • Be very careful about symptoms of low blood sugar like sweating, anxiety, fast heartbeat, headache, intense hunger, restlessness, dizziness, irritability. If you experience these symptoms, immediately...
    Read more
  • Eat something as soon as possible. If the symptoms persist even after this, seek emergency medical help
  • Tell your doctor if:
  • You have liver or kidney disease
  • Your body is not able to produce enough red blood cells
  • All your ongoing medications
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Tolbutamide

How Does It Work?

It acts on the cells of the pancreas and increases the release of insulin, thereby controlling the levels of blood glucose.
interactions

Interactions of Tolbutamide

Interactions with other medicines

  • Antifungal medicines (e.g. Fluconazole)
  • Allopurinol and Sulfinpyrazone (used in the treatment of gout)
  • Hormonal contraceptive pills
  • High blood pressure medicines (e.g., Propranolol, Atenolol), ACE inhibitors (e.g. Captopril) and Fibrates (e.g. Clofibrate)
  • Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
  • Antibiotics such as Chloramphenicol, Rifampicin, Fluoroquinolones, Tetracyclines or Sulphonamides such as Sulfafurazole and Cotrimoxazole
  • Cimetidine and Ranitidine (used for stomach ulcers)
  • Medicines used to prevent blood clotting

Interactions with food items

Interaction with alcoholic beverages is reported.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Tolbutamide

Avoid foods with a high glycemic index (white rice, ice-cream, french fries, mangoes). It is advisable to follow a strict diabetic diet.
dosage

Dosage of Tolbutamide

Overdose

Overdose of this medicine may cause low sugar levels (symptoms may include sweating, paleness, headache, faintness or drowsiness). Therefore you should instantly consume sugar (e.g. sugar cubes, sweet...
Read more

Missed a Dose

If you forget to take medicine, follow the regular dose schedule instead of taking a double dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: How does this medication reduce my sugar levels?

A: Tolbutamide increases the amount of insulin released by your pancreas and thus reduces your blood sugar levels.

Q: Can elderly patients take this medication?

A: Yes, but it should be initiated at lower doses and must be used with caution. Take as prescribed by the doctor.

Q: Should I be worried while on the medication of Tolbutamide?

A: If you experience any symptoms of dizziness, fainting, sweating and tremors, it may be due to hypoglycaemia. Drink some glucose water, juice or eat sugar or chocolates, then report to the doctor. A regular follow up with your physician is essential.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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