Diazoxide

Diazoxide is a potassium channel activator. Its mechanism of action revolves around enhancing cell membrane permeability to potassium ions, which elicits relaxation of local smooth muscles. As an antihypoglycemic, Diazoxide inhibits insulin release from the pancreas, probably by opening potassium channels in the beta cell membrane.

• Intractable hypoglycemia (idiopathic, leucine-sensitive, functional islet cell tumors, glycogen storage disease)
• Hypertensive emergencies (IV)

Diazoxide is a potassium channel activator. Its mechanism of action revolves around enhancing cell membrane permeability to potassium ions, which elicits relaxation of local smooth muscles. As an antihypoglycemic, Diazoxide inhibits insulin release from the pancreas, probably by opening potassium channels in the beta cell membrane.

Diazoxide opens potassium channels in pancreatic beta cells, inhibiting insulin release and thereby increasing blood glucose levels.

Adults and Children: Starting dose of 5 mg/kg/day (in 2-3 divided doses), then increase as needed. Maintenance: 3-8 mg/kg/day (in 2-3 divided doses).
Leucine-sensitive hypoglycemia (children): 15-20 mg/kg/day.
Islet cell tumors: Up to 1000 mg/day.
Renal impairment: Dose reduction may be required.

Take orally in 2-3 divided doses daily. Monitor blood pressure regularly.

If you miss a dose of Diazoxide, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Common: Thrombocytopenia, pancreatitis, hypotension, diarrhea, heart failure, sodium and water retention.

Monitor blood pressure regularly; sodium and water retention may require diuretic therapy; avoid hypokalemia; caution in cardiac failure, hyperuricemia/gout; regular haematological examinations; monitor growth and maturation in children.

Cases amenable to surgery or other specific therapy; hypersensitivity to any component or other thiazides.

Oral diuretics, antihypertensives, anticoagulants: Effects are potentiated.
Phenytoin: Increased dosage may be needed.
Corticosteroids, estrogen-progestogen combinations: Increased risk of hyperglycemia.

Can be taken with or without food.

No adequate data on pregnancy; use only if mother's life is at risk. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus.

It is not known whether Diazoxide is excreted in breast milk; a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug.

Pediatric dosage is weight-based; up to 15-20 mg/kg/day for leucine-sensitive hypoglycemia.

No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.

Reduced doses may be required in patients with renal impairment.

Overdose may cause hyperglycemia and hypotension; treat with insulin or oral hypoglycemics.

Store below 30°C in the original container to protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Diazoxide