Diazoxide is used for the treatment of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia happens when your blood sugar levels have fallen low enough. This usually occurs when your blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL. A low blood sugar triggers the release of epinephrine or adrenaline which is the fight-or-flight hormone. Epinephrine is what can cause the symptoms of hypoglycemia. The reaction of each person to low blood sugar is different. You must learn your own signs and symptoms of when your blood sugar is low. If the blood sugar level continues to drop, the brain does not get enough glucose and stops functioning as it should. Signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia may include:
- Being nervous or anxious
- Feeling shaky
- Irritability or impatience
- Sweating, chills, and clamminess
- Fast heartbeat
- Confusion
- Hunger
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
- Color draining from the skin
- Nausea
- Feeling sleepy, weak, or having no energy
- Tingling or numbness in the tongue, lips, and cheeks
- Impaired or blurred vision
- Coordination problems
- Clumsiness
- Headaches
Diazoxide is a thiazide drug but has no diuretic effects like other thiazides. This prevents insulin release from the pancreas. That it helps to return the blood sugar to normal levels. Insulin is a natural substance that lowers blood sugar. This product is supplied as capsules for oral use. Each capsule contains Diazoxide as an active ingredient. This product is available in the dosage forms of 50 mg capsules. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription.
How does Diazoxide work?
Diazoxide works by slowing down the release of insulin from the pancreas. This helps blood sugar levels to increase. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for the control of sugar in the blood. It is released from cells in the pancreas in response to high levels of sugar in the blood. It also causes a reduction in blood sugar levels. If too much insulin is produced by the cells in the pancreas, this can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low and stay too low.
How to use Diazoxide?
Diazoxide is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day every 8 to 12 hours. Your doctor may direct you to follow a special diet for your condition. The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to the treatment. Your doctor may direct you to start at a lower dose and eventually increase it. The medicine should be swallowed as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, break, or crush it. You must take each dose exactly as it is prescribed by your doctor. To help you remember, take the drug at the same time and in the same way each day. Drink plenty of fluids while having this treatment. Doing so may lessen the risk of certain side effects. This medication usually begins to work within an hour and its effects can last up to 8 hours.
Do not take more or less than it is given. Do not suddenly stop taking Diazoxide without the consent of your doctor. Even if you feel well, continue to take the medication until the full prescription is done. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose. Let your doctor know if your condition worsens or does not improve after 2 to 3 weeks.
What are the side effects of Diazoxide?
Common side effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Decreased sense of taste
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- Fine hair growth on the face, arms, and back
Tell your doctor right away if you have serious side effects such as:
- Tunnel vision, blurred vision, or eye pain
- Seeing halos around lights
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Rapid weight gain
- Breathing problems in an infant
- A light-headed feeling like you might pass out
- Signs of hyperglycemia or high blood sugar (increased thirst and urination, dry mouth, hunger, dry skin, weight loss, or drowsiness)
Call right away for medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
- Hives
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Warnings and Precautions
- Before using Diazoxide, let your doctor know if you ever had an allergic reaction to it. Tell as well if you have any allergies. This may contain an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.
- If you have any medical history especially of diabetes, low blood mineral, heart disease, and kidney or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have current medications such as herbal supplements or vitamins.
- Your blood pressure should be monitored regularly while taking Diazoxide. If you feel dizzy, you should lie down until the symptoms pass.
- Call your doctor if you experience any unexplained bruising or bleeding while taking this medicine. As these could be signs of a problem with your blood cells.
- Regular growth, bone, and developmental check must be carried out in children taking this medication.
- Diazoxide may cause your body to retain water and you may need to take diuretic tablets. It is to help you get rid of some excess fluids.
- This drug should be used with caution in people with heart disease, decreased kidney function, and those with a history of gout. Use this carefully as well in people with a high level of uric acid in their blood and with a lower usual number of proteins in their blood.
- During pregnancy, this prescription should only be used when needed and prescribed by your doctor. If you are breastfeeding women, consult your doctor first. If you get pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
- Keep this product at room temperature far from heat, moisture, and reach of children.
