TOLBUTAMIDE

orally administered drug that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, thereby reducing the concentration of glucose in the blood. Tolbutamide is one of a class of compounds called sulfonylureas, which are used to treat non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus (formerly called adult-onset diabetes). These drugs are not effective, however, in patients with insulin-dependent (Type I) diabetes. Though discovered in the 1940s, sulfonylureas were not used until the mid-1950s to control Type II diabetes. Tolbutamide was the first agent of this type to be widely administered. It is used to treat patients with mild to moderate disease that cannot be controlled by diet alone. Treatment is most effective in those patients who are obese and in those older than 40 years of age. Tolbutamide is quickly metabolized and is usually administered in divided doses. Some concern exists over whether use of tolbutamide may engender an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease.