Skip to main content

Diazoxide

Generic name: diazoxide (oral) [ DYE-az-OX-ide ]
Brand names: Proglycem, Hyperstat
Dosage form: oral suspension (50 mg/mL)
Drug classes: Agents for hypertensive emergencies, Glucose elevating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 21, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is diazoxide?

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

Diazoxide is used to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by certain cancers or other conditions that can make the pancreas release too much insulin. diazoxide is for use in adults and children as young as infants.

Diazoxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diazoxide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Diazoxide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of diazoxide may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not take diazoxide to treat occasional low blood sugar caused by diet.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to diazoxide or to certain heart or blood pressure medicines such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor HCT, Vaseretic, Zestoretic, and others.

You should not take diazoxide to treat occasional low blood sugar caused by diet.

To make sure diazoxide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether diazoxide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take diazoxide?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take diazoxide in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Diazoxide is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours. Take the medicine at the same time intervals each day.

Diazoxide usually begins to work within 1 hour, and its effects can last up to 8 hours.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and your urine may also need to be tested for ketones. Call your doctor at once if you have abnormal test results. You may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.

Diazoxide is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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

Diazoxide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypoglycemia:

Initial dose: 3 mg/kg per day divided into three equal doses every 8 hours
Usual dose: 3 to 8 mg/kg orally, divided into two or three equal doses every 8 or 12 hours

Comments:
-Use only after confirmed diagnosis of hypoglycemia due to one of the listed conditions.
-Use only if specific medical therapy or surgical management has been unsuccessful or is not feasible.
-Observe patients closely during treatment initiation.
-Carefully monitor clinical response and blood glucose until the patient has stabilized, usually several days.
-Discontinue if no efficacy after two to three weeks use.
-Individualize dose based on clinical and laboratory effects with the least amount of drug.

Use: Hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinism associated with inoperable islet cell adenoma or carcinoma, or extrapancreatic malignancy

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypoglycemia:

Infants and newborns:
Initial dose: 10 mg/kg/day divided into three equal doses every 8 hours
Usual dose: 8 to 15 mg/kg/day divided into two or three equal doses every 8 or 12 hours

Children:
Initial dose: 3 mg/kg per day divided into three equal doses every 8 hours
Usual dose: 3 to 8 mg/kg orally, divided into two or three equal doses every 8 or 12 hours

Comments:
-Use only after confirmed diagnosis of hypoglycemia due to one of the listed conditions.
-Use only if specific medical therapy or surgical management has been unsuccessful or is not feasible.
-Observe patients closely during treatment initiation.
-Carefully monitor clinical response and blood glucose until the patient has stabilized, usually several days.
-Discontinue if no efficacy after two to three weeks use.
-Individualize dose based on clinical and laboratory effects with the least amount of drug.
-Use special care to assure accurate dosing in infants and young children.

Uses:
-Hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinism associated with leucine sensitivity, islet cell hyperplasia, nesidioblastosis, extrapancreatic malignancy, islet cell adenoma, or adenomatosis
-May be used preoperatively as a temporary measure, or postoperatively if hypoglycemia persists

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme thirst or very dry mouth, fruity breath odor, stomach pain, vomiting, increased urination, confusion, and high ketones in the urine.

What should I avoid while taking diazoxide?

Do not use other medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect diazoxide?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with diazoxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.