Health Library

Diazoxide (By mouth)

Diazoxide (dye-az-OX-ide)

Treats low blood sugar that is caused by excess insulin.

Brand Name(s):

Proglycem

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Suspension

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine at the same time each day.
• Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Oral liquid: Shake well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how diazoxide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Phenytoin
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill), especially a thiazide

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart failure, edema, lung or breathing problems, or a history of gout.
• This medicine may cause ketoacidosis (high levels of ketones in the blood) or severe high blood sugar levels and dehydration, which could lead to coma. You will need to test yourself for ketones and sugar levels.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Increased hunger or thirst, increase in how much or how often you urinate
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
• Trouble breathing, especially in a child

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Unusual hair growth on the face, arms, legs, or back

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024