Drug Groups

approved

Description

A sulphonylurea hypoglycemic agent with actions and uses similar to those of chlorpropamide. [PubChem]

Indication

For use as an adjunct to diet to lower the blood glucose in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type II) whose hyperglycemia cannot be satisfactorily controlled by diet alone.

Pharmacology

Tolazamide is an oral blood glucose lowering drug of the sulfonylurea class. Tolazamide appears to lower the blood glucose acutely by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, an effect dependent upon functioning beta cells in the pancreatic islets. The mechanism by which tolazamide lowers blood glucose during long-term administration has not been clearly established. With chronic administration in Type II diabetic patients, the blood glucose lowering effect persists despite a gradual decline in the insulin secretory response to the drug. Extrapancreatic effects may be involved in the mechanism of action of oral sulfonylurea hypoglycemic drugs. Some patients who are initially responsive to oral hypoglycemic drugs, including tolazamide, may become unresponsive or poorly responsive over time. Alternatively, tolazamide may be effective in some patients who have become unresponsive to one or more other sulfonylurea drugs. In addition to its blood glucose lowering actions, tolazamide produces a mild diuresis by enhancement of renal free water clearance.

Toxicity

Overdosage of sulfonylureas can produce hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemic reactions with coma, seizure, or other neurological impairment occur infrequently, but constitute medical emergencies requiring immediate hospitalization.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Tolazamide is metabolized to five major metabolites ranging in hypoglycemic activity from 0 to 70%.

Absorption

Rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Half Life

The average biological half-life of the drug is 7 hours.

Elimination

Tolazamide is metabolized to five major metabolites ranging in hypoglycemic activity from 0% to 70%. They are excreted principally in the urine.

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