Tolbutamide (By Mouth)

Tolbutamide (tole-BYOO-ta-mide)

Treats diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.

Brand Name(s):

Tol-Tab
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to tolbutamide or other sulfonylurea drugs such as Tolinase®, chlorpropamide, or Glucotrol®. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
• While using this medicine, avoid taking aspirin or cough and cold medicines.
• Tolbutamide interacts with many medicines. Before you start taking tolbutamide, make sure your doctor knows of all other medicines you are taking.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding or if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease, G-6-PD deficiency, or a thyroid disorder.
• To control your diabetes, follow the diet that your doctor orders and take this medicine on a regular schedule.
• You may have low blood sugar while you are taking tolbutamide, especially if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, or drink alcohol. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, feeling very hungry, fast heartbeat, drowsiness, confusion, headache that won't go away, chills, or vomiting.
• Ask your doctor what you should do in case you have low blood sugar. You will need to control it quickly.
• Make sure your doctor knows you are taking this medicine before you have any kind of surgery.
• This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid sunlamps or tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Unexplained fever, chills or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Dark colored urine or light colored stools
• Severe skin rash or hives

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• Skin rash or itching

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.