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Overview: Diazoxide is commonly used to increase blood sugar caused by conditions where the body produces too much insulin. Common side effects include fluid retention, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions or dangerously high blood sugar levels. Before using diazoxide, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is diazoxide used for?

Diazoxide is commonly used to increase blood sugar caused by conditions where the body produces too much insulin. Examples of these conditions may include certain tumors or cancers, often involving or affecting the pancreas.

Diazoxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does diazoxide work (mechanism of action)?

Diazoxide helps raise blood sugar levels, mainly by reducing the release of insulin from the pancreas. 

How is diazoxide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Proglycem

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg/mL oral suspension

How should I store diazoxide?

Diazoxide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep in the original carton until it is ready to be used to help protect the medicine from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of diazoxide?

The most common side effects of diazoxide are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fluid retention (see below)
  • New or increased hair growth on your face, back, arms, or legs
  • High blood sugar
  • Increased uric acid levels
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite or taste
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat or fluttering feeling in your chest (palpitations)
  • Low platelet levels (see below)

There may be other side effects of diazoxide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of diazoxide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of diazoxide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Diazoxide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking diazoxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Fluid Retention (Edema). Diazoxide can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Ketoacidosis. Diazoxide may cause ketoacidosis, a serious complication from having very high blood sugar levels. This may be more likely to happen if you are sick. Follow any instructions from your health care provider about testing your pee (urine) for sugar and/or ketones. Keep your health care provider informed about your results. Stop taking diazoxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Feeling very tired, woozy, or confused
  • Trouble breathing
  • Your breath smells fruity or sweet
  • Very high blood sugar levels (over 300 mg/dL)

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS). Diazoxide may cause a serious, life-threatening condition called hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome. This may be more likely to happen if you are sick. HHS is a medical emergency that can lead to severe dehydration and changes in blood that can be fatal. Stop taking diazoxide and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of HHS.

  • Very high blood sugar levels (over 600 mg/dL)
  • Seizures
  • Dry mouth
  • Fever or warm skin with no sweat
  • Fast heart rate
  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
  • Peeing often or dark pee
  • Slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
  • Vision problems, confusion, or hallucinations

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Diazoxide may cause low blood pressure. Risk for this may be higher if you take certain medicines, including certain diuretics (water pills). If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Severely Low Platelet Levels. Diazoxide can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use diazoxide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take diazoxide.

  • Diazoxide
  • Proglycem
  • Any other medicine known as a thiazide 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific diazoxide products they stock.

Reactive Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Diazoxide should not be used if you have low blood sugar not long after you eat, a condition known as reactive hypoglycemia. Diazoxide can make this condition worse.

What should I know about diazoxide before using it?

Do not take diazoxide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share diazoxide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep diazoxide out of the reach of children.

Shake diazoxide well before measuring your dose. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Your health care provider may have you test your blood sugar levels more frequently while taking diazoxide. You may also be asked to test your pee (urine) for glucose (sugar) or ketones. Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist to ensure you are using the right product for these tests. Share the results with your health care provider. Call your health care provider right away if your blood sugar stays low or goes too high. 

Newborns and infants can be at greater risk of some side effects from diazoxide. Talk to your health care provider about the risks of using diazoxide in a newborn or infant. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any breathing problems in an infant using this medicine.

It is important to follow any dietary instructions from your health care provider and keep all of your health care appointments while you are taking diazoxide, including lab appointments. These lab tests help your health care provider know if the medicine is working or causing side effects. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using diazoxide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if diazoxide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Gout or high uric acid levels
  • Heart failure or other heart problems
  • Diabetes

Other Medicines and Supplements. Diazoxide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking diazoxide, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how diazoxide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take diazoxide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if diazoxide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop diazoxide.

Interactions

Does diazoxide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between diazoxide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect diazoxide.

Does diazoxide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using diazoxide.

  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with diazoxide. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much diazoxide?

If you or someone else has used too much diazoxide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of diazoxide?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.