Diazoxide Suspension

What is this medication?

DIAZOXIDE (dye az OX ide) treats low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with conditions that cause their body to make too much insulin. It works by decreasing insulin levels in your body, which raises your blood sugar.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Proglycem

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• History of gout
• Kidney disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to diazoxide, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Diuretics
• Medications for blood pressure
• Phenytoin
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Check with your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better in 2 or 3 weeks. You will need to have important blood work done while you are taking this medication. Check your blood sugar as directed.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Talk to your care team about the foods that you eat and the vitamins that you take.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—increased thirst or amount of urine, dry mouth, fatigue, fruity odor to breath, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• High uric acid level—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
• Pulmonary hypertension—shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint or lightheaded, fatigue, swelling of the ankles or feet
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in taste
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Unexpected hair growth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.