Tolbutamide is used to treat type 2 diabetes if blood sugar levels cannot be controlled with a nutritional and physical activity-based approach.

 

What is Tolbutamide?

Tolbutamide is an oral antidiabetic agent. It works by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. In this way, it helps to reduce blood sugar levels (glucose) in the body.

 

How should Tolbutamide be taken?

Tolbutamide can be prescribed alone or in combination with other medications. In general, it is consumed orally in the form of tablets, although it can also be administered intravenously.  

 

Side effects associated with Tolbutamide

Tolbutamide can cause hypoglycemia, especially in the case of:

 

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Skipped meals
  • Strenuous or prolonged physical activity

 

Among the other possible side effects of Tolbutamide include the following: 

 

  • Feeling full/bloated
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea

 

 It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:

 

  • Rash
  • Urticaria
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
  • Confusion
  • Dark urine
  • Fainting
  • Persistent fever , chills or sore throat
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Vision problems
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Jaundice

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Tolbutamide

In order to receive the utmost benefits from treatment with Tolbutamide, the drug should be combined with a healthy diet and regular physical exercise. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided because it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

 

Tolbutamide can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can also be aggravated by alcohol or certain medications. Tolbutamide can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and alter the results of some laboratory tests.

 

Before starting treatment with Tolbutamide, it is important to tell your doctor if:

 

  • You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs (particularly other sulfonamides) or food
  • You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular:  beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants, azole antifungals, chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, insulin, MAO inhibitors, NSAIDs, phenylbutazone, probenecid, quinolones, salicylates, sulfinpyrazone, sulfonamides , calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids, decongestants, diazoxide, diuretics, estrogen, hormonal contraceptives, isoniazid, niacin, fenotiazione, phenytoin, rifamycins, sympathomimetic drugs, thyroid supplements and gemfibrozil
  • You are undergoing desensitization therapy for insect allergies
  • You are suffering (or have suffered) from complications of diabetes, acidosis, burns, liver or kidney problems, cardiac problems, gastrointestinal or thyroid problems, severe trauma, hormonal problems or low sodium levels
  • You are planning on undergoing  surgery
  • You are maintaining a low balanced diet or excessively drinking alcohol 
  • You are pregnant or breast-feeding

 

 It is also important to inform doctors, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Tolbutamide.