Tolbutamide

What is Tolbutamide?

Tolbutamide is a tablet treatment that reduces the high blood sugar levels caused by type-2 diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is a condition that’s typically developed in adulthood when your body no longer produces enough insulin, or when your body is no longer able to properly use the insulin it does produce (or a combination of the two). Insulin is an essential hormone for processing the sugar that you eat, as it moves it from your bloodstream into your cells for it to be used as energy.

When you have type-2 diabetes your blood sugar level might become too high for long periods of time, which can be bad for your long-term health. Sometimes type-2 diabetes can be managed by diet and exercise alone, especially in its early stages, but when this hasn’t worked treatments are then recommended to help you balance your blood sugar.

How does Tolbutamide work?

Tolbutamide is a first-generation sulfonylurea – one of a number of types of diabetes treatment. Sulfonylureas, like Tolbutamide, work to reduce your blood sugar by helping your pancreas to secrete more insulin. They do this by binding to receptors on your pancreas’ beta cells, opening your calcium channels and closing your potassium channels. This causes an influx of calcium to move into these cells which then causes more insulin to be released.^[1]

More insulin equals more glucose transportation into your cells, which equals lower blood sugar for you.

What doses of Tolbutamide are there?

Tolbutamide tablets are only available in one dose: 500 mg. The standard starting dose is to take two tablets per day, which can be increased or decreased depending on how you respond to it.

How to take Tolbutamide

You should always take Tolbutamide exactly as instructed to by our clinician. To take it, simply swallow your tablet whole with water. Tolbutamide should be taken either with or immediately after your first main meal of the day, or in smaller doses throughout the day with meals.

How long does it take Tolbutamide to work?

Tolbutamide should get to work pretty quickly to start lowering your blood sugar, but it can take weeks to months for it to have a measurable effect. As with any diabetes treatment that you’re taking, you should continue to have regular tests of your blood sugar levels (HbA1c) to make sure that it’s working. If your blood sugar isn’t improving, even after taking the maximum daily dose of Tolbutamide, you’ll likely be prescribed additional or alternative treatment.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Tolbutamide?

If you accidentally take too much Tolbutamide, seek medical help straight away. Taking too much Tolbutamide can lead to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which can be dangerous for your health.

If you forget your usual dose of Tolbutamide, you can take it when you remember – so long as it’s not too close to your next scheduled dose. If it is, simply skip that dose and continue with your normal dose schedule. Don’t double up on doses to make up for missed ones.