Tolbutamide (By mouth)

Introduction

Tolbutamide (tole-BUE-ta-mide)

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

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088