diazoxide (oral) Health Article

Generic name(s):

diazoxide (oral)

Brand name(s):

diazoxide, Proglycem

What is the most important information I should know about oral diazoxide?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to diazoxide or diuretics (water pills). Oral diazoxide should not be used to treat occasional hypoglycemia related to diet.

Before taking diazoxide, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney disease, gout, high cholesterol, or low potassium.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

If your blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia), you may have symptoms such as increased thirst, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, increased urination, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your urine will need to be tested often for the presence of glucose (sugar) or ketones. You may be able to do this testing at home. Call your doctor if you have any abnormal test result.

Your doctor may also want you to have blood or urine tests at regular intervals. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking diazoxide.

If your condition does not improve after taking diazoxide for 2 to 3 weeks, stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor.

What is diazoxide?

Diazoxide given orally raises blood sugar by slowing the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Diazoxide is used to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) related to certain cancers that affect the pancreas and cause it to release too much insulin.

Diazoxide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving diazoxide?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to diazoxide or diuretics (water pills). Oral diazoxide should not be used to treat occasional hypoglycemia related to diet.

Before taking diazoxide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• congestive heart failure;

• kidney disease;

• gout;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides; or

• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take diazoxide.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before you take diazoxide. Diazoxide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.