• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

How should I take diazoxide?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with the marked medicine dropper provided, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Diazoxide usually begins to work within 1 hour, and its effects can last up to 8 hours.

If your blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia), you may have symptoms such as increased thirst, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, increased urination, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your urine will need to be tested often for the presence of glucose (sugar) or ketones. You may be able to do this testing at home. Call your doctor if you have any abnormal test result.

Your doctor may also want you to have blood or urine tests at regular intervals. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. If your condition does not improve after taking diazoxide for 2 to 3 weeks, stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor. Store diazoxide at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include increased thirst or urination, fruity breath odor, nausea, and vomiting, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking diazoxide?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking diazoxide.

What are the possible side effects of diazoxide?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• shortness of breath, swelling in your hands or feet;

• rapid pulse;

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• chest pain;

• blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• urinating less than usual; or

• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• temporary increase in growth of body hair (especially in women and children;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• diarrhea;

• decreased sense of taste;

• headache, dizziness, anxiety;

• weakness; or

• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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