Diazoxide was developed and approved by the FDA for medical use in 1973 to treat hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels due to increased hormone insulin).

Oral diazoxide is used to manage low blood sugar due to the increased amount of the hormone insulin by the pancreas caused by specific conditions.

Diazoxide is available for oral intake as tablets and capsules in two different strengths: 50 mg and 25 mg, respectively.

Diazoxide can cause some side effects like any other drug. The most common side effects are high blood sugar, water retention, low blood platelets, increased heart rate, increased hair growth, and nausea. Some serious side effects are feeling faint or dizzy, especially upon standing up, arm/leg/hand/foot swelling, unexpected weight gain, shortness of breath, and unusual tiredness. Seek medical help immediately if any of these side effects appear.

Do not take diazoxide for treating temporary low blood sugar caused by diet or if you are allergic to diazoxide or other thiazide drugs, such as bendrofluazide. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease because diazoxide causes significant water retention, possibly leading to heart failure. Inform your doctor if you are intolerant to lactose or milk sugar because diazoxide tablet contains lactose as one component. Do not take this medicine with other medications unless advised by your doctor. Do not drive or use heavy machinery because diazoxide can cause dizziness, difficulty moving, blurred vision, and temporary cataracts.

Before taking diazoxide, check with your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems or a history of gout (pain and swelling of joints due to increased uric acid level in your blood). Always give your doctor a detailed account of your medical history and medications. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting diazoxide. 

Be sure to keep up with your regular appointments and check-ups throughout your diazoxide treatment, as your doctor will need to monitor your blood sugar levels and blood pressure to assess the effectiveness of the medicine. Follow the dietary regimen recommended by your doctor during the treatment. Water retention is one of the common side effects caused by diazoxide; therefore, your physician may prescribe water pills known as diuretics to remove excess water from your body. In addition, your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement to prevent your potassium level from dropping. Always ask your doctor's advice if you have any concerns before taking this medication. Do not self-administer this medication without a doctor's prescription.

1. RPH Pharma, Electronics Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on April 2021], [Accessed on 6th Sep 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9136.pdf
2. Teva, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on 6th Sept 2015], [Accessed on Sep 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/017453s020lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Endocrine Pancreas and Pharmacotherapy of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypoglycemia, 12th edition, 2011, 887.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Insulin, oral hypoglycemics and glucagon, 7th edition, 2013, 281.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.