Tolazamide is used for the management of diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in control. This medicine stimulates the pancreas to release insulin which helps lower the high blood sugar level that occurs after each meal.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Tolazamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Tolazamide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have uraemia (a type of kidney disorder) as Tolazamide may not be suitable for you.
This medicine alone should not be used to treat patients with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) and in those with diabetes complicated by certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes complicated by surgery, infection, trauma).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited condition of the blood)
- heart disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Tolazamide.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
You may have been warned about hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. It is important to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and correct the low blood sugar level. If you don't, you may faint.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking – these signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is dangerously low.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
You should take a drink or food containing sugar (for example, fruit juice, soft drinks, sweets) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help. Keep some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you at all times.
This medicine may make you feel dizzy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Tolazamide may also cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, heartburn (a symptom when acid from your stomach backs up into your mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste), diarrhea, constipation, weakness, and tiredness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. miconazole, fluconazole
- medicines to treat water retention (water pills) e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, phenylbutazone
- antibiotics e.g. sulfamethoxazole
- medicines for gout e.g. probenecid
- medicines to treat depression e.eg. selegiline
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tolazamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.