The Basics
What is Tolbutamide?
Anti-diabetic medication
Brand names for Tolbutamide
Tolbutamide
How Tolbutamide is classified
Hypoglycemic Agents, Sulfonylurea Compounds
Tolbutamide During Pregnancy
Tolbutamide pregnancy category
Category N/ANote 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 Tolbutamide while pregnant
N/A
Taking Tolbutamide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Tolbutamide?
Tolbutamide is excreted into breastmilk in small amounts that should cause no harm to the breastfed 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
Tolbutamide is excreted into breastmilk in small amounts that should cause no harm to the breastfed 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 Tolbutamide on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Tolbutamide
Acarbose, Glipizide, Glyburide, Insulin, Metformin, Miglitol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Everett JA. Use of oral antidiabetic agents during breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1997;13:319-21. PMID: 9429368
2. Berlin CM, Briggs GG. Drugs and chemicals in human milk. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2005;10:149-59. PMID: 15701580
3. Moiel RH, Ryan JR. Tolbutamide Orinase in human breast milk. Clin Pediatr. 1967;8:480. PMID: 6029660
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
