- What is tolazamide? How does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What is tolazamide used for?
- What are the side effects of tolazamide?
- What is the dosage for tolazamide?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with tolazamide?
- Is tolazamide safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- What else should you know about tolazamide?
What is tolazamide? How does it work (mechanism of action)?
Tolazamide is used with diet and exercise to reduce blood glucose levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other diabetes drugs are sometimes used in combination with tolazamide if needed. Tolazamides initial effect is to increase beta-cell insulin secretion. Tolazamide causes the pancreas to produce insulin and increases the body's response to it. Tolazamide also may decrease rate of hepatic glucose production, increases insulin receptor sensitivity, and increases number of insulin receptors.
- There are no brand names for tolazamide.
- Tolazamide is available in generic form.
- You need a prescription to obtain tolazamide.
What is tolazamide used for?
Tolazamide is used with diet and exercise to reduce blood glucose levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What are the side effects of tolazamide?
Side effects associated with tolazamide therapy include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Malaise
- Vertigo
- Increase sensitivity to the sunlight (photophobia),
- Itching
- Rash
- Hives
- Anorexia
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Sensations of stomach fullness
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Water loss from the body (diuresis)
Possible serious side effects of tolazamide include:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)-like reactions (for example, severe flushing accompanied by low blood pressure (hypotension) and tachycardia
- Low blood glucose
- Low blood sodium
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
- Blood disorders
- Liver dysfunction
SLIDESHOW
Type 2 Diabetes: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for tolazamide?
Adults
- Generally, patients are started on 100 to 250 mg of tolazamide once daily with breakfast or first meal of the day.
- Start with 100 mg/day for fasting blood sugar <200 mg/dL or 250 mg for fasting blood sugar >200 mg/dL.
- Use 100 mg/day for patients who are malnourished, underweight, elderly, or those not eating properly.
- Dosage may be increased by 100-250 mg at weekly intervals.
- The maximum daily dose is 500 mg orally twice daily (1000 mg/day).
The safety and efficacy of tolazamide has not been established in pediatric patients. No specific dose adjustments are recommended in patients with kidney or liver disease.
Health News
- 5,000+ Measles Cases Threaten Canada’s Elimination Status
- Home Exercises Ease Knee Arthritis Pain
- Puberty: The Signs, Stages & When to See a Doctor
- Medical Debt May Soon Return to Credit Reports
- Sitting For Long Periods? Sip Cocoa Or Munch Berries To Protect Heart Health, Experts Say
More Health News »
Which drugs or supplements interact with tolazamide?
- Coadministration of tolazamide with quinolone antibiotics may cause abnormal changes in blood glucose. Therefore, blood glucose must be closely monitored if these agents must be used together.
- Tolazamide may increase blood levels of methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) by interfering with the binding of methotrexate to blood proteins.
- Anti-retroviral protease inhibitors, a type of anti-HIV medication, may decrease the effectiveness of tolazamide and consequently worsen blood glucose control.
Is tolazamide safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- There are no adequate studies of the effects of tolazamide for pregnant women.
- It is not known if tolazamide is secreted in breast milk.
Summary
Tolazamide (Tolinase brand has been discontinued.) is a drug prescribed to reduce glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Tolazamide is combined with exercise and diet. Side effects include rash, hives, itching, vertigo, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Drug interactions, storage, dosing, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Type 2 Diabetes: Signs, Symptoms, TreatmentsLearn about type 2 diabetes warning signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Find out why thirst, headaches, and...
-
Diabetes: What Raises and Lowers Your Blood Sugar Level?Want to lower your blood sugar? Learn to better control your glucose levels by preventing blood sugar spikes and swings to avoid...
-
Diabetes Nerve Pain: Improving Diabetic Peripheral NeuropathyLearn how to cope with the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy through pain management exercises. Find relief for diabetic...
-
Diabetes Diet: Healthy Meal Plans for Diabetes-Friendly EatingDiscover the best and worst meals for diabetes-savvy dining. See how to avoid carbs and control your blood sugar with healthier...
-
Type 2 Diabetes: Test Your Medical IQWhat causes type 2 diabetes? Can it be prevented? Take this online quiz and challenge your knowledge of this common condition....
-
Diabetes Quiz: Test Your Medical IQTake the Diabetes Quiz and learn the causes, signs, symptoms, and types of this growing epidemic. What does diabetes have to do...
-
How Diabetes Can Affect Your FeetLearn more about diabetes related foot problems. For people with diabetes, too much glucose in the blood can cause serious foot...
-
Diabetes Travel: Tips for Better Diabetes ControlDiabetes shouldn't stop you from traveling! Learn tips for packing diabetic supplies, controlling blood sugar while changing time...
-
Diabetes: 15 Famous Celebrities With DiabetesSee pictures of celebrities that have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes including Mary Tyler Moore, Salma Hayek, and...
-
Diabetes Diet: 11 Low-Sugar Drink IdeasSearching for low-sugar drink ideas? This pictures slideshow has eleven beverages ideal for people with diabetes and those...
-
Slideshow: Diabetes Management in 10 MinutesLearn 10 simple ways to better manage your diabetes. See tips for controlling blood sugar, diet and exercise and other helpful...
-
10 Muscle-Building Exercises for DiabetesWatch this slideshow on Diabetes and Exercise. If you have diabetes, see how strengthening your muscles with these 10 weight...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue.
-
Stroke Symptoms and TreatmentA stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to part of the brain caused by either a blood clot (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic). Symptoms of a stroke may include weakness, numbness, double vision or vision loss, confusion, vertigo, difficulty speaking, or understanding speech. A physical exam, imaging tests, neurological exam, and blood tests may be used to diagnose a stroke.
-
Type 2 DiabetesType 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that may be reversible with diet and lifestyle changes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, and an unusual odor to your urine. Most people don't know they have type 2 diabetes until they have a routine blood test. Treatment options include medications, a type 2 diabetes diet, and other lifestyle changes.
-
Type 2 Diabetes Diet PlanA type 2 diabetes diet or a type 2 diabetic diet is important for blood sugar (glucose) control in people with diabetes to prevent complications of diabetes. There are a variety of type 2 diabetes diet eating plans such as the Mediterranean diet, Paleo diet, ADA Diabetes Diet, and vegetarian diets. Learn about low and high-glycemic index foods, what foods to eat, and what foods to avoid if you have type 2 diabetes.
-
Diabetes TreatmentThe major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugar, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.
-
Diabetic DietA diabetic diet, or diabetes diet helps keep blood glucose levels in the target range for patients. Exercise and medication may also help stabilize blood glucose levels. Keeping track of when you take your diabetic medicine, keeping track of food choices, and eating the proper amount of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fats will also help maintain proper blood glucose levels.
-
Eye Problems and DiabetesDiabetes and eye problems are generally caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Types of eye problems in a person with diabetes include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. Examples of symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye aches, pain, halos around lights, loss of vision, watering eyes. Treatment for eye problems in people with diabetes depend on the type of eye problem. Prevention of eye problems include reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and maintaining proper blood glucose levels.
-
Types of Diabetes Type 2 MedicationsConsumer information about the types of type 2 diabetes medications. Read about the side effects of Precose, Diabinese, Amaryl, Glucophage, Actos, Avandia, Starlix, Prandin, and more. Drug interactions, dosing, storage, and breastfeeding and pregnancy safety information is provided.
-
Diabetes Foot ProblemsDiabetes-related foot problems can affect your health with two problems: diabetic neuropathy, where diabetes affects the nerves, and peripheral vascular disease, where diabetes affects the flow of blood. Common foot problems for people with diabetes include athlete's foot, fungal infection of nails, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, foot ulcers, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
-
Diabetic Home Care and MonitoringManaging your diabetes is a full time commitment. The goal of diabetic therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes. Information about exercise, diet, and medication will help you manage your diabetes better. Blood glucose reagent strips, blood glucose meters, urine glucose tests, tests for urinary ketones, continuous glucose sensors, and Hemoglobin A1C testing information will enable you to mange your diabetes at home successfully.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Diabetes Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.