Tolbutamide

Also known as: Butamidum

Drug #725

Tolbutamide is a sulfonylurea compound. Tolbutamide is oral anti-diabetic agent, acts by increasing pancreatic insulin secretion. Tolbutamide is used in the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes. Tolbutamide is recommended when there is great danger of hypoglycemia (in elderly).

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Primary Characteristics

Tolbutamide is also known as Butamidum.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Sulphonyl Urea.

It belongs to Potassium Channel (ATP sensitive) antagonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antidiabetic Agent, Sulfonylurea pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 270.4 · pK_a: 5.3 · Solubility in Water: Insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 10 · Non-proprietary name: Tolbutamide.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Tolbutamide has an oral bioavailability is 96.5% (±1.5%).

Distribution: Tolbutamide has a volume of distribution is 0.1 - 0.2 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 97 %.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 4 - 12 hr, renal excretion is 90 %.

Indications

Tolbutamide is primarily indicated in conditions like NIDDM, Softening and dilatation of cervix before mechanical cervical dilatation.

Contraindications

Tolbutamide is contraindicated in conditions like Adrenal insufficiency, Thyroid disease, Renal diseases, Hepatic disease, Iddm, Diabetic ketoacidosis.

Dosage

Tolbutamide's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
5.95 mg/kg	5.95 mg/kg	Every 8h	PO	-
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

Unknown14 interactions

5 interactions

Moderate2 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Tolbutamide in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hepatosplenomegaly, Pancytopenia , Hyponatremia , Thrombocytopenia .

Tolbutamide produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hypoglycemia , Hepatic dysfunction. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Tolbutamide are Vomiting.

Tolbutamide is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Increased intracranial pressure, Nausea and vomiting, Skin sensitization.

Warnings / Precautions

Tolbutamide should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure or liver or kidney disease. This medication may make person more prone to sunburn, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. It should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy or lactation. Insulin therapy may be necessary during pregnancy.

Interference in Pathology

Tolbutamide may interfere in the diagnosis of False +ve reaction for Albumin determination .

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Tolbutamide should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.18.7.2 — Oral hypoglycemics