Drug interactions
Balsalazide + Tolbutamide
Severity: Minor
Balsalazide and Tolbutamide: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
High-dose salicylates can potentiate sulfonylurea hypoglycemia. The systemic salicylate exposure from balsalazide is low, so a clinically important effect on tolbutamide is unlikely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Balsalazide and Tolbutamide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Balsalazide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Tolbutamide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Possible protein binding displacement of tolbutamide by salicylate, along with additive glucose lowering at high doses.
What to do
No adjustment is needed. Monitor blood glucose as usual and be alert to hypoglycemia if the dose of either drug changes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Balsalazide
Other interactions of Tolbutamide
- Glyburide-metformin + Tolbutamide Major
- Insulin degludec-liraglutide + Tolbutamide Major
- Aceclofenac + Tolbutamide Moderate
- Acemetacin + Tolbutamide Moderate
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Tolbutamide Moderate
- Albiglutide + Tolbutamide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Balsalazide with Tolbutamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Balsalazide and Tolbutamide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. High-dose salicylates can potentiate sulfonylurea hypoglycemia. The systemic salicylate exposure from balsalazide is low, so a clinically important effect on tolbutamide is unlikely.
How serious is the interaction between Balsalazide and Tolbutamide?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No adjustment is needed. Monitor blood glucose as usual and be alert to hypoglycemia if the dose of either drug changes.
What other medicines interact with Balsalazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Balsalazide with, for example, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live, Varicella virus vaccine live, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Balsalazide page.
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