Drug Info:
Diazoxide
Brand names: Hyperstat®, Proglycem®
- Drug Forms:
- Diazoxide capsules (below)
- Diazoxide oral suspension
- Diazoxide injection
Diazoxide capsules
What are diazoxide capsules?
DIAZOXIDE (Proglycem®) helps to treat low blood sugar that arises from overproduction of insulin. Treatment of low blood sugar can continue for several years. Generic diazoxide capsules are not yet available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• heart or blood vessel disease
• diabetes
• low levels of blood potassium
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• pheochromocytoma
• an unusual or allergic reaction to diazoxide, sulfonamides, thiazides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take diazoxide capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with diazoxide?
• allopurinol• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• beta blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• colchicine
• epoprostenol
• isoxsuprine
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
• papaverine
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• ritodrine
• treprostinil
• warfarin
• water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking diazoxide?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 weeks. Keep taking the capsules even if you feel better; do not stop taking unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to.Your blood sugar levels need to be checked regularly. You must either visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on sugar in blood and urine, or learn how to do the checks yourself. Report symptoms of high blood sugar promptly; they include: increased urination; unusual thirst; dry mouth; drowsiness; flushed, dry skin; fruit-like breath odor; loss of appetite; stomach ache, nausea, vomiting; tiredness; troubled breathing (rapid and deep).
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how diazoxide affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats; avoid alcoholic drinks.
What side effects may I notice from taking diazoxide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• chest pain, palpitations
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• increase in the amount of urine passed
• increased thirst
• muscle stiffness or rigidity
• muscle weakness
• trembling, restlessness
• unusual eye or mouth movements
• unusual swelling or sudden weight increase
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• change or loss of taste
• diarrhea or constipation
• flushing, or warming sensations of the skin
• headache
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• sweating
• unusual excessive hair growth (mainly on the forehead, back and limbs)
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
