Tolazamide

What is Tolazamide?

Tolazamide is used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes along with diet and exercise.

What is the most important information I should know about Tolazamide?

Treatment with Tolazamide may increase the risk of death from heart disease compared with treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin. The use of oral agents that lower blood sugar has been shown to be associated with heart-related deaths.

Tolazamide is an aid to, and not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously low blood sugar levels.

Tolazamide is not an oral form of insulin and cannot be used in place of insulin.

Who should not take Tolazamide?

Do not take Tolazamide if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a chemical imbalance leading to nausea, vomiting, confusion, and coma), or if you have type 1 diabetes and are not taking insulin for it.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Tolazamide?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Tolazamide. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, adrenal or pituitary gland disorders, or if you are sick, have a fever or infection, or need surgery.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose for mild to moderately severe type 2 diabetes is 100-250 milligrams (mg) daily taken with breakfast or the first main meal.

The usual maintenance dose is 100-1,000 mg daily. Your doctor may adjust your dosage by 100-250 mg at weekly intervals based on your blood sugar response.

If you are malnourished, underweight, older, or not eating properly, the initial dose is usually 100 mg daily.

How should I take Tolazamide?

Take Tolazamide exactly as prescribed. Take Tolazamide once a day with breakfast or the first main meal. Doses of more than 500 mg daily may be divided and taken twice daily.

Failure to follow an appropriate dosage regimen may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you do not follow your prescribed dietary regimen, you are more likely to have a poor response to this medication.

What should I avoid while taking Tolazamide?

Avoid alcohol, which lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Tolazamide?

If Tolazamide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining it with the following: airway-opening drugs, such as albuterol, alcohol, aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs, atenolol, chloramphenicol, chlorothiazide, corticosteroids, diltiazem, epinephrine, estrogen, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, isoniazid, metoprolol, miconazole, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), nicotinic acid, nifedipine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, norepinephrine, oral contraceptives, phenelzine, phenothiazine, probenecid, sulfa drugs, such as sulfamethoxazole and sulfisoxazole, thyroid drugs, tranylcypromine, verapamil

What are the possible side effects of Tolazamide?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Side effects of the medication are usually well tolerated, but only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: bloating, heartburn, hives, itching, nausea, rash

Can I receive Tolazamide if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Tolazamide during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Tolazamide?

If you miss a dose of Tolazamide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Tolazamide?

Store Tolazamide at room temperature.