Diazoxide - Oral

Diazoxide is used in the management of low blood sugar associated with conditions characterised by an abnormally 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 it at the same time each day.

Diazoxide is available as a tablet or oral suspension.

If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the dropper provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.

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.

Do not take Diazoxide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as hydrochlorothiazide or chlorothiazide.

Alert your doctor if you have functional hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels that occur after a meal) as Diazoxide may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart problems e.g. narrowing of the heart valves, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
• current or history of gout (high uric acid level in the blood)
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Diazoxide to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test to determine insulin response to glucagon), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

For as long as you are taking Diazoxide, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood sugar and electrolyte levels, kidney and liver function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.

Diazoxide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, change in taste, and excessive hair growth.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, increased urination, flushing, fast or irregular heartbeat, fruity-smelling breath
• chest pain, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, tiredness, swelling of the ankles or feet
• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth

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:

• water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide
• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, captopril
• anti-inflammatory medicines
• birth control pills
• phenytoin (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
• 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.

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.