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Can you take Primatene with Tolbutamide?

1 drug interaction and 26 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

TOLBUTamide ePHEDrine

Applies to: tolbutamide and Primatene (ephedrine / guaifenesin)

EPHEDrine may interfere with blood glucose control and reduce the effectiveness of TOLBUTamide and other diabetic medications.

Monitor your blood sugar levels closely. You may need a dose adjustment of your diabetic medications during and after treatment with ePHEDrine.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

TOLBUTamide Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: tolbutamide

Alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on how much and how often you drink.

You should avoid using alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have:

  • high triglycerides
  • neuropathy (nerve damage)
  • pancreatitis

Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels if your diabetes is under control. However, it may be best to limit alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men (1 drink = 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits) in conjunction with your normal meal plan.

Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or following exercise, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

ePHEDrine Caffeine

Applies to: Primatene (ephedrine / guaifenesin)

Both ePHEDrine and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects.

Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

24 potential interactions Applies to: 22 conditions, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Diabetes, Type 1, Hyperthyroidism, Hypoglycemia, and Diabetes Mellitus.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.

The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

Anorexia/Feeding Problems

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Anorexia/Feeding Problems.

The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

Autonomic Neuropathy

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Autonomic Neuropathy.

The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

The use of oral hypoglycemic agents may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to treatment with diet alone or diet with insulin. This warning is based on the University Group Diabetes Program (UGDP) study, a long-term prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of glucose-lowering drugs in preventing or delaying vascular complications in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients treated with diet plus a fixed dosage of either tolbutamide (a sulfonylurea) or phenformin (a biguanide) for 5 to 8 years had a cardiovascular mortality rate approximately 2.5 times that of patients treated with diet alone, resulting in discontinuation of both these treatments in the study. Despite controversy regarding interpretation of these results, clinicians and patients should be aware of the potential risk when making treatment decisions for diabetes, particularly in the presence of underlying cardiovascular disease. Data are not available for other sulfonylureas or biguanides, nor for hypoglycemic agents belonging to other classes. However, given the similarities in chemical structure and/or mode of action, the same caution should be applied.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Dehydration

Moderate:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

Treatment with sulfonylureas may cause hyponatremia, in patients who are on other medications or have medical conditions known to cause hyponatremia or increase release of antidiuretic hormone. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion has been reported with certain sulfonylureas and these drugs may augment the peripheral (antidiuretic) action of ADH and/or increase release of ADH. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of developing hyponatremia such as elderly patients, patients taking diuretics or those who are volume-depleted.

Diabetes, Type 1

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Diabetes, Type 1.

The use of some sulfonylurea agents is contraindicated for the treatment of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. In addition, these agents should not be used as sole therapy in patients with type I diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Ephedrine may produce slight increases in blood glucose concentrations. Therapy with ephedrine should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate. It is important that the recommended dosages of ephedrine are not exceeded.

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

The use of some sulfonylurea agents is contraindicated for the treatment of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. In addition, these agents should not be used as sole therapy in patients with type I diabetes mellitus.

G-6-PD Deficiency

Moderate:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a moderate potential interaction with G-6-PD Deficiency.

Sulfonylureas can cause hemolytic anemia in patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Therapy with these agents should be used with caution in patients with G6PD deficiency and consider the use of a non-sulfonylurea alternative. There have been postmarketing reports of hemolytic anemia in patients receiving these drugs who did not have known G6PD deficiency.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Hypoglycemia

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Hypoglycemia.

The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

Hyponatremia

Moderate:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a moderate potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

Treatment with sulfonylureas may cause hyponatremia, in patients who are on other medications or have medical conditions known to cause hyponatremia or increase release of antidiuretic hormone. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion has been reported with certain sulfonylureas and these drugs may augment the peripheral (antidiuretic) action of ADH and/or increase release of ADH. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of developing hyponatremia such as elderly patients, patients taking diuretics or those who are volume-depleted.

Liver Disease

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Serious and prolonged hypoglycemia has been reported in patients with severe renal or liver disease following oral administration of tolbutamide. Diagnostic testing with tolbutamide should be administered cautiously, if necessary, in such patients. If severe hypoglycemic symptoms are observed, the test should be terminated immediately by intravenously injecting 12.5 to 25 g of glucose in a 25% to 50% solution. The patient should be monitored for some time afterwards, since reaction may be prolonged.

Malnourishment

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Malnourishment.

The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

Panhypopituitarism

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Panhypopituitarism.

The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Prostate Tumor, Benign

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Prostate Tumor, Benign.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Serious and prolonged hypoglycemia has been reported in patients with severe renal or liver disease following oral administration of tolbutamide. Diagnostic testing with tolbutamide should be administered cautiously, if necessary, in such patients. If severe hypoglycemic symptoms are observed, the test should be terminated immediately by intravenously injecting 12.5 to 25 g of glucose in a 25% to 50% solution. The patient should be monitored for some time afterwards, since reaction may be prolonged.

SIADH

Moderate:

tolbutamide

TOLBUTamide has a moderate potential interaction with SIADH.

Treatment with sulfonylureas may cause hyponatremia, in patients who are on other medications or have medical conditions known to cause hyponatremia or increase release of antidiuretic hormone. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion has been reported with certain sulfonylureas and these drugs may augment the peripheral (antidiuretic) action of ADH and/or increase release of ADH. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of developing hyponatremia such as elderly patients, patients taking diuretics or those who are volume-depleted.

Urinary Tract Obstruction

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Tract Obstruction.

Sympathomimetic agents such as ephedrine have the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects, particularly during prolonged or indiscriminate use. In patients with prostate enlargement, urinary difficulty may develop or worsen due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with ephedrine should be administered cautiously in patients with difficulty for urination due to hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate. It is important that the recommended dosages are not exceeded.

More resources

Primatene

A total of 243 drugs are known to interact with Primatene.

tolbutamide

A total of 579 drugs are known to interact with tolbutamide.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.