Diazoxide

What is DIAZOXIDE?

(DIAZOXIDE) This medication is used to treat very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Certain conditions (such as tumor on the pancreas, cancer, leucine sensitivity) can cause the release of too much insulin. Insulin is a natural substance that lowers blood sugar. This drug works by preventing insulin release from the pancreas, helping to return the blood sugar to normal levels. Diazoxide is a thiazide drug, but has no diuretic ("water pill") effects like other thiazides. Diazoxide should not be used to treat low blood sugar from poor nutrition/diet (functional hypoglycemia).

How should I use DIAZOXIDE?

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times daily (every 8 to 12 hours). Your doctor may direct you to follow a special diet for your condition. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or dietician for more details. Do not switch between the capsule and suspension form of this medication without talking with your doctor first. Your dose may need to be adjusted. If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle thoroughly before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Do not use the suspension if it has turned a dark color. Discard it. (See Storage section.) The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. You will need to check your blood sugar and check your urine for sugar and ketones regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on these tests. Your doctor may change your dose often when you first start taking the drug to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 2 to 3 weeks.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take DIAZOXIDE?

Before taking diazoxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other thiazides (such as hydrochlorothiazide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood minerals (low potassium blood levels), diabetes, heart disease (such as heart failure, past heart attack), kidney disease, gout, liver disease. The suspension (liquid) form of this medication contains alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid alcohol in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. This medication may raise your blood sugar too high under certain conditions. For example, your body may need more insulin while you are under stress due to infection, surgery, or injury. Certain medications (such as corticosteroids like hydrocortisone/prednisone, hormones such as birth control pills) may raise your blood sugar. Your dose may need to be adjusted. Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor right away if any signs of high blood sugar occur (see Side Effects section). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with DIAZOXIDE?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs for high blood pressure (such as enalapril, methyldopa, prazosin), "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), phenytoin. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as a glucagon test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

What if I miss a dose of DIAZOXIDE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving DIAZOXIDE?

Nausea, loss of appetite, stomach upset, and changes in sense of taste may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Abnormal growth of body hair, especially on the forehead/back/arms/legs, may occur. This is usually not permanent and will go away when the drug is stopped. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication can cause sodium and water retention which can cause serious heart problems. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling of arms/legs/hands/feet, unexplained weight gain, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness. This medication may cause your blood sugar to become too high. Checking your blood sugar and urine for sugar/ketones regularly and telling your doctor the results will help prevent this side effect. High blood sugar can be very serious and worsen quickly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these signs of very high blood sugar occur: need to urinate more often, unusual thirst, fruity breath odor, dizziness, unusual weight loss, deep/rapid breathing, bluish color of lips/skin, extreme drowsiness/confusion, weakness. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, fainting, fast/pounding heartbeat, face/muscle twitching, toe/joint pain, unusual restlessness, muscle cramps/stiffness, shaking (tremor). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep DIAZOXIDE?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.