Drug interactions
Tolbutamide + Willow bark
Severity: Minor
Tolbutamide and Willow bark: 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
Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylates. Large salicylate doses can potentiate sulfonylureas and cause hypoglycemia, but typical willow bark doses deliver relatively little salicylate.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tolbutamide and Willow bark 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
Salicylate-related displacement from protein binding, and intrinsic glucose-lowering effects at high doses.
What to do
Monitor glucose if high-dose willow bark is taken regularly. Reduce the tolbutamide dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
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 Tolbutamide with Willow bark?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Tolbutamide and Willow bark have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylates. Large salicylate doses can potentiate sulfonylureas and cause hypoglycemia, but typical willow bark doses deliver relatively little salicylate.
How serious is the interaction between Tolbutamide and Willow bark?
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 glucose if high-dose willow bark is taken regularly. Reduce the tolbutamide dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
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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