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 of Tolbutamide
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
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)
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
Precautions and Warnings of Tolbutamide
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.
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
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
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.
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 eat sugar (do not consume artificial sweeteners)...
- 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
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 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.
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 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 juice or sweet candy)....
Missed a Dose
If you forget to take medicine, follow the regular dose schedule instead of taking a double dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
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.
References
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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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