Tolbutamide is administered by which route in this context?

• A. Intravenous
• B. Oral
• C. Subcutaneous
• D. Intra-arterial

Answer: (A)

Tolbutamide is a sulfonylurea used to treat type 2 diabetes, and it is formulated for absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Orally administered tolbutamide produces a predictable rise in insulin release as the drug is absorbed and reaches the pancreatic beta cells, with a convenient onset and duration for daily dosing. The intravenous route is not used in standard practice for this drug because it would create rapid, uncontrolled plasma levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia, plus it lacks a practical, stable formulation for IV use. Therefore, the typical and appropriate route is oral administration.