Tolbutamide
Tolbutamide is a first-generation sulfonylurea medication used to manage type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot achieve adequate glycemic control through diet and exercise alone.
Tolbutamide is an oral diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas in type 2 diabetes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BB03
- RxNorm
- 10635
- Generic
- Tolbutamide
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Tolbutamide is indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults when diet therapy alone is insufficient to control blood glucose levels. It is typically considered when lifestyle modifications and other medications have not provided adequate glycemic control.
Tolbutamide belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs. It works by binding to and closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, leading to depolarization and calcium influx, which stimulates insulin secretion. This increased insulin release helps lower blood glucose levels.
Tolbutamide carries a risk of hypoglycemia, particularly in elderly patients, those with irregular meals, or those with impaired kidney or liver function. It should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. As with all sulfonylureas, effectiveness may diminish over time. Patients should be advised about signs of low blood sugar and the importance of regular monitoring.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy