Tolazamide

The Basics

What is Tolazamide?

Used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes.

Brand names for Tolazamide

Tolinase

How Tolazamide is classified

Hypoglycemic Agents, Sulfonylurea Compounds

Tolazamide During Pregnancy

Tolazamide pregnancy category

Category C

Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Tolazamide while pregnant

TOLINASE (tolazamide) , administered to pregnant rats at ten times the human dose, decreased litter size but did not produce terato-genic effects in the offspring. In rats treated at a daily dose of 14 mg/kg no reproductive aberrations or drug related fetal anomalies were noted. At an elevated dose of 100 mg/kg per day there was a reduction in the number of pups born and an increased perinatal mortality. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, TOLINASE (tolazamide) is not recommended for the treatment of the pregnant diabetic patient. Serious consideration should also be given to the possible hazards of the use of TOLINASE (tolazamide) in women of child bearing age and in those who might become pregnant while using the drug. Because recent information suggests that abnormal blood glucose levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of congenital abnormalities, many experts recommend that insulin be used during pregnancy to maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.

Taking Tolazamide While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Tolazamide?

Because no information is available on the use of tolazamide during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Monitor breastfed infants for signs of hypoglycemia such as jitteriness, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures cyanosis, apnea, or hypothermia. If there is concern, monitoring of the breastfed infant’s blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with hypoglycemic agents.[1][2]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because no information is available on the use of tolazamide during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Monitor breastfed infants for signs of hypoglycemia such as jitteriness, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures cyanosis, apnea, or hypothermia. If there is concern, monitoring of the breastfed infant’s blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with hypoglycemic agents.[1][2]

Possible effects of Tolazamide on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Tolazamide

Acarbose, Glipizide, Glyburide, Insulin, Metformin, Miglitol.