Tolbutamide Pharmacology

Tolbutamide

About Tolbutamide

A first generation potassium channel blocker, Sulfonylurea derivative, Oral hypoglycemic agent.

Mechanism of Action of Tolbutamide

Tolbutamide exerts its hypoglycemic action by increasing insulin release from the pancreas and by improving glucose tolerance. It acts on the "sulfonylurea receptors" on pancreatic ?-cell membrane and reduces conductance of ATP sensitive K+ channels and thus causes depolarization. This enhances Ca2+ influx and thus increases insulin secretion rate at any glucose concentration.

Pharmacokinets of Tolbutamide

Absorption: It is rapidly absorbed from GIT. Distribution: It is distributed mainly into extra cellular fluid in protein bound form. Metabolism: It undergoes metabolism in the liver. Excretion: Drug and its metabolites are excreted in urine and faeces.

Onset of Action for Tolbutamide

30 - 60 minutes

Duration of Action for Tolbutamide

12-24 hours

Half Life of Tolbutamide

4-7 hours

Side Effects of Tolbutamide

1.Hypoglycaemia
2.Nausea
3.Vomiting
4.Diarrhoea
5.Constipation
6.Headache
7.Urticaria
8.Weight gain
9.Hypersensitivity reactions
10.Rashes
11.Pruritus
12.Porphyria
13.Leucopenia
14.Agranulocytosis

Contra-indications of Tolbutamide

1.Hypersensitivity to Tolbutamide
2.Type 1 Diabetes mellitus

Special Precautions while taking Tolbutamide

1.Hepatic impairment
2.Cardiac failure
3.Renal impairment
4.Ischaemic vascular disease
5.Pancreatitis
6.Porphyria
7.Malnourished individuals

Pregnancy Related Information

Contraindicated

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Contraindicated

Indications for Tolbutamide

Non Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus(type 2)

Interactions for Tolbutamide

N/A

Typical Dosage for Tolbutamide

Oral
Adult:500mg 2 - 4 times daily.If needed dose can be increased to 3mg/day

Schedule of Tolbutamide

Storage Requirements for Tolbutamide

Store at room temperature at a range of 15 to 30 degree C.in a well closed container. Protect from excess heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of childre

Effects of Missed Dosage of Tolbutamide

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Tolbutamide

Mild hypoglycemia can be treated with oral glucose and dosage adjustment. If there is loss of consciousness or neurological findings the patient should receive rapid injection of dextrose 50%; followed by continuous infusion of dextrose 10% at a rate to maintain blood glucose levels greater than 100mg/dl. Monitor patient for 3 to 5 days.

Home Delivery for Tolbutamide in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including tolbutamide.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for tolbutamide and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for tolbutamide may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take tolbutamide only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for tolbutamide before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for tolbutamide with the pharmacy.

Tolbutamide is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for tolbutamide might be better known than tolbutamide itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have tolbutamide in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for tolbutamide.