Drug interactions
Olanzapine + Tolbutamide
Severity: Moderate
Olanzapine and Tolbutamide: moderate 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
Olanzapine can raise blood glucose and promote weight gain, which may counteract the effect of tolbutamide. Glycemic control can deteriorate in diabetic patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Olanzapine and Tolbutamide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Tolbutamide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: olanzapine-related insulin resistance opposes the glucose-lowering effect of the sulfonylurea.
What to do
Monitor glucose and HbA1c at the start of olanzapine and periodically afterward. Adjust the antidiabetic regimen as needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Olanzapine
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 Olanzapine with Tolbutamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Olanzapine and Tolbutamide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Olanzapine can raise blood glucose and promote weight gain, which may counteract the effect of tolbutamide. Glycemic control can deteriorate in diabetic patients.
How serious is the interaction between Olanzapine and Tolbutamide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glucose and HbA1c at the start of olanzapine and periodically afterward. Adjust the antidiabetic regimen as needed.
What other medicines interact with Olanzapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Olanzapine with, for example, Amisulpride, Amoxapine, Apomorphine. The full list is on the Olanzapine page.
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