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.

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

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.

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

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:

• congestive heart failure;

• high blood pressure;

• kidney disease;

• gout; or

• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• breathing problems in an infant or newborn treated with diazoxide;

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.

Common side effects of diazoxide may include:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• fine hair growth on the face, arms, and back (especially in women or children);

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• diarrhea, constipation; or

• decreased sense of taste.

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.

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

• a diuretic (water pill); or

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

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.