Uses of undefined

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.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

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

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

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.

Precautions

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. 

Side Effects

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.

Word Of Advice

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.

Frequently Asked Question

• Is the diazoxide tablet currently available in India?
• Yes, oral diazoxide is available in India in two different strengths: 50 mg tablets and 25 mg capsules.

• Should I take a diazoxide tablet before or after a meal?
• Diazoxide tablets can be taken before or after the meal. Always take this medication by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor.

• What is the most common side effect of diazoxide tablets?
• Water retention is the most common side effect of diazoxide tablets, usually treated by taking diuretics (water pills)prescribed by your doctor.

• Can I take a diazoxide tablet to treat occasional low blood sugar?
• No, diazoxide tablets should not be used to treat occasional low blood sugar caused by diet. Do not take this medicine on your own without a doctor's advice.

• How often should I take a diazoxide tablet?
• Your doctor chooses the dose and frequency of diazoxide based on your body weight. Your doctor may decide to increase your dose when needed and tolerated by your body. Always take diazoxide tablets exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

• Can diazoxide tablets cause diabetes?
• Yes, rarely, diazoxide tablets can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, associated with ketogenesis (excess production of ketones), mimicking the condition of diabetes. This can be serious but usually treatable.