Diazoxide

What is diazoxide?

Diazoxide is used to treat low blood sugar. It works by reducing levels of insulin, a hormone made by the body to lower blood sugar levels. When there is too much insulin being released (a condition called hyperinsulinism), this can cause low blood sugar.

You may also hear diazoxide referred to by its brand name, Proglycem.

Diazoxide comes in capsule and liquid form.

Before giving diazoxide to your child

Tell your child's doctor if your child has ever reacted badly to diazoxide in the past.

How should you give your child diazoxide?

Try to give your child the doses on time. If your young child is asleep during the time when a dose is due, give it as soon as they wake up to try and stay on schedule.

The capsules should be swallowed whole. If your child cannot do this, ask your health-care provider if the liquid form can be provided instead.

If your child is taking liquid diazoxide, measure out each dose with the special spoon, dropper or syringe that the pharmacist gave you.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of diazoxide?

• Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not give your child two doses to make up for one missed dose.

How long does it take to work?

Diazoxide will start to raise your child's blood sugar in about one hour from taking the dose.

What are the possible side effects of diazoxide?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take diazoxide. Check with your child's health-care provider if your child continues to have any of these side effects and they do not go away, or they bother your child:

• fluid retention (extra water being stored in the body), which can look like sudden and unexpected weight gain, swelling of the feet/hands/private parts, difficulty feeding with shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. Sometimes, another medication may be prescribed along with diazoxide to prevent the buildup of extra water in the body by increasing urine output.
• upset stomach or throwing up
• changes in taste
• constipation
• abdominal pain
• increased and thickened hair growth (this will go away once the medicine is stopped)
• dizziness and headache

Call your child's health-care provider if your child has any of these side effects:

• unexplained changes in the amount of urine your child is making (either too much or too little)
• vision changes
• fast or abnormal heartbeat
• unexplained bruising or bleeding
• dizziness
• shakiness, trouble moving around or stiffness
• burning, numbness or tingling feelings

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to Emergency if your child has any of these side effects:

• blue or gray colour of the skin, lips, nail beds, fingers or toes
• fast breathing
• extreme dizziness or passing out
• signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash or hives, chest or throat tightness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat
• signs of high blood sugar, such as confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing or breath that smells like fruit
• severe constipation, stomach pain, back pain or throwing up. These may be signs of a severe bowel problem or problem with the pancreas (organ that makes up insulin) and require immediate medical attention.

What safety measures should you take when your child is using diazoxide?

There are some medicines that should not be taken together with diazoxide, or, in some cases, the dose of diazoxide or the other medicine may need to be adjusted if they are taken together. It is important that you tell your health-care provider if your child takes any other medications (prescription, over the counter or herbal) including:

• thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• blood pressure lowering medications

What other important information should you know about diazoxide?

• Most children will only need to take diazoxide for several months. Your health-care provider will decide how to adjust your child's diazoxide dose based upon the blood sugar readings. There are, however, some children who may need diazoxide for a much longer period of time.
• Keep all appointments at the clinic or doctor's office for blood tests so that your child's response to diazoxide can be monitored.
• Keep a list of all medications your child is on to share with any health-care provider or pharmacist.
• Do not share your child's medication with others and do not give anyone else's medication to your child.
• Make sure you always have enough diazoxide to last through weekends, holidays and vacations. Call your pharmacy at least two to three days before your child runs out of medication to order refills.
• Do not keep any medications that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medications.

Keep diazoxide out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much diazoxide, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.