Stop taking tolbutamide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives).

Other, less serious side effects from tolbutamide result mostly from blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low. You should be familiar with the symptoms of both high and low blood sugar levels and know how to treat both conditions. Also, be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency situation.

Low blood sugar may occur when too much tolbutamide is taken, when meals are missed or delayed, if you exercise more than usual, during illness, especially with vomiting or diarrhea, if you take other medications, after drinking alcohol, and in other situations.

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar has the following symptoms:

- shaking
- headache
- cold sweats
- pale, cool skin
- anxiety
- difficulty concentrating

Keep hard, sugary candy, chocolate, fruit juice, or glucose tablets at hand to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

On the other hand, increased blood sugar may occur when not enough tolbutamide is taken, if you eat significantly more food than usual, if you exercise less than usual, if you take other medications, during fever or other illness, and in other situations.

Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar has the following symptoms:

- increased thirst
- increased hunger
- increased urination

There may be an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) complications with the use of tolbutamide when compared to the treatment of diabetes with diet or diet plus insulin. The long-term use of tolbutamide should be discussed with your doctor.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

FDA Information

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Other uses for this medicine

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In case of an emergency/overdose