Tolbutamide, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antidiabetic

Generic and brand names: tolbutamide, oral; Orinase

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine helps control excess blood sugar that may occur when you have type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medicine may be taken while you are having insulin shots or are taking another diabetes medicine by mouth.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your health care provider may prescribe insulin during pregnancy and breast-feeding as a safer way to control blood sugar levels.

How should I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes, at the same time every day. Do not miss doses or take more than prescribed.

If you are taking extended-release tablets, do not crush or chew them. Swallow them whole. Your pharmacist can tell you if you have extended-release tablets.

Be sure to take any other medicine (insulin or other oral medicine for diabetes) that your health care provider prescribes for you.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Usually you will take this medicine while you follow a diet and exercise program prescribed by your health care provider.

Follow carefully the diet and exercise program prescribed for you. Also, have your blood sugar tested regularly. If your health care provider wants you to test your blood or urine sugar at home, follow his or her directions carefully. Depending on the severity of your diabetes, your health care provider may want you to check your blood sugar daily using a machine.

Talk to your health care provider before you take other medicines, including nonprescription products. Do not drink alcohol unless your health care provider approves.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you miss or delay meals, drink too much alcohol, take too much medicine, or exercise more than usual. Symptoms of low blood sugar include confusion, shaking, weakness, strong hunger, cold sweats, headache, nausea, vision problems, and feeling faint. Treat the condition quickly by eating or drinking something with sugar in it such as candy, juice, or nondiet soda. Taking glucose tablets or gels (available in drug stores) is another quick way to treat hypoglycemia.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen lotion when you are exposed to the sun. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your health care provider right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Itching; tiredness; dark urine; fever; sore throat; bleeding; bruising; very light colored bowel movements; yellowish eyes or skin; hypoglycemia (confusion, shaking, weakness, strong hunger, cold sweats, headache, nausea, vision problems, and feeling faint).

Other: Heartburn, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, stomach upset, rash, sensitivity to the sun.

What products might interact with this medicine?

Many medicines may increase or decrease the effectiveness of this medicine in controlling your blood sugar. Be sure to tell the health care provider who prescribed this medicine about any other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products. Also, tell any other health care providers who treat you that you are taking this medicine for diabetes.

Many nonprescription products contain sugar, alcohol, or other ingredients that may interfere with this medicine or increase your blood sugar. Check product labels for warnings for diabetics or ask your health care provider or pharmacist for advice.

Certain drugs may cause false-positive or false-negative test results when you test your urine sugar. Check with your health care provider if you think your urine sugar tests are incorrect, or if you start taking other medicines and your test results change.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.