Drug interactions
Opuntia ficus indica + Tolbutamide
Severity: Minor
Opuntia ficus indica 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
Prickly pear has reported glucose-lowering activity and may add to the effect of tolbutamide. This could increase the risk of hypoglycemia, though data are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Opuntia ficus indica 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic glucose-lowering effect.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose if the patient uses prickly pear products regularly and adjust tolbutamide if glucose falls.
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 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 Opuntia ficus indica with Tolbutamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Opuntia ficus indica 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. Prickly pear has reported glucose-lowering activity and may add to the effect of tolbutamide. This could increase the risk of hypoglycemia, though data are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Opuntia ficus indica 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: Monitor blood glucose if the patient uses prickly pear products regularly and adjust tolbutamide if glucose falls.
What other medicines interact with Tolbutamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tolbutamide with, for example, Glyburide-metformin, Insulin degludec-liraglutide, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Tolbutamide page.
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