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In this Article

• What is tolazamide (Tolinase)?
• What are the possible side effects of tolazamide (Tolinase)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tolazamide (Tolinase)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking tolazamide (Tolinase)?
• How should I take tolazamide (Tolinase)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tolinase)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tolinase)?
• What should I avoid while taking tolazamide (Tolinase)?
• What other drugs will affect tolazamide (Tolinase)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking tolazamide (Tolinase)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tolazamide, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.

Before taking tolazamide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• a history of heart disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take tolazamide.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether tolazamide passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take tolazamide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take tolazamide (Tolinase)?

Take tolazamide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Do not change your dose of tolazamide without first talking to your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Tolazamide is usually taken once a day, with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change.

Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your medication doses if needed.

Tolazamide is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It is important to take tolazamide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store tolazamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.