Diazoxide is used in the management of low blood sugar associated with an underlying disease characterised by abnormal high level of insulin in the body.
Take Diazoxide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take this medicine at the same time each day.
Diazoxide is available as a capsule or oral suspension.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your prescribed dose.
Diazoxide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know
Alert your doctor if you have a blood sugar disorder called functional hypoglycaemia (decreases in blood sugar of unknown cause) as Diazoxide may not be suitable for you.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- history of gout
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking Diazoxide, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
If you are diabetic, this medicine may interfere with results of urine tests for sugar and ketones. Discuss with your doctor how you should monitor your urine tests while taking Diazoxide.
You should take a drink or food containing sugar (for example, fruit juice, soft drinks, sweets) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help. Keep some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you at all times.
Diazoxide may cause dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, ileus (a condition where the bowel does not work properly), excessive hair growth, palpitations and loss of taste.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast and irregular heartbeat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- frequent and persistent sore throat with fever
- confusion, rapid deep breathing, excessive thirst, increased urination, flushed and dry skin
- high fever with paralysis, hallucinations or altered mental state and inability to speak
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. hydralazine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Diazoxide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your blood sugar under control.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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