What are diazoxide and chlorothiazide used for. How are these medications administered. What are the potential side effects of diazoxide and chlorothiazide. Who should avoid taking these medicines. How do diazoxide and chlorothiazide interact with other medications.

Understanding Diazoxide and Chlorothiazide: A Comprehensive Overview

Diazoxide and chlorothiazide are two medications often prescribed together to treat specific medical conditions. Diazoxide is primarily used to address persistently low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) caused by excessive insulin production (hyperinsulinism). On the other hand, chlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases urine production by the kidneys. These medications work in tandem to manage various health issues, particularly in pediatric patients.

How Do Diazoxide and Chlorothiazide Work?

Diazoxide functions by inhibiting the release of insulin in the body. This mechanism helps regulate blood sugar levels in patients with hyperinsulinism. Chlorothiazide, as a diuretic, is prescribed to address fluid retention issues, which can cause edema or puffiness, especially around the eyes, hands, or feet. It’s often given alongside diazoxide because one of diazoxide’s side effects is fluid retention.

Administration and Dosage Forms of Diazoxide and Chlorothiazide

Both medications are typically administered orally, with specific dosing schedules:

• Diazoxide: Given two to three times daily
• Chlorothiazide: Usually administered twice daily

These medications are available in suspension (liquid) form, making them suitable for pediatric patients. For older children, tablet or capsule forms may be preferable. It’s crucial to discuss the most appropriate form with your healthcare provider.

Availability and Procurement Challenges

It’s important to note that diazoxide and chlorothiazide suspensions may not be readily available at local pharmacies. In fact, these medications often need to be imported from abroad by licensed pharmaceutical import companies. This can lead to longer procurement times, typically several days.

Contraindications and Precautions for Diazoxide and Chlorothiazide Use

While these medications can be highly effective, they are not suitable for everyone. Certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid these medications altogether:

• Those with hypersensitivity to diazoxide, chlorothiazide, or any of their ingredients
• Pregnant women, those who could be pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
• Individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, respiratory distress, pneumonia, or congenital heart disease

Is it safe to take these medications if you have any of these conditions? It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health concerns.

Potential Side Effects of Diazoxide and Chlorothiazide

As with any medication, diazoxide and chlorothiazide can cause side effects. It’s essential to be aware of these potential reactions and to report any severe or persistent symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects of Diazoxide

• Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
• Elevated uric acid levels in the blood
• Salt and fluid retention, leading to edema
• High blood sugar levels
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular or rapid heart rate
• Increased hair growth

Common Side Effects of Chlorothiazide

• Weakness and low blood pressure
• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
• Changes in blood count

Can these side effects be managed? In many cases, side effects can be mitigated through dose adjustments or additional supportive treatments. However, it’s crucial to communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure optimal management.

Drug Interactions: What to Watch Out For

Both diazoxide and chlorothiazide can interact with other medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s vital to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, that you or your child are taking.

Known Interactions with Diazoxide

• Anti-hypertension medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)
• Alcohol
• Antidepressants
• Anti-epileptics (e.g., phenytoin)
• Antipsychotics

Known Interactions with Chlorothiazide

• Anti-diabetic medications
• Anti-hypertension medications
• Cholestyramine and colestipol resins
• Corticosteroids
• Lithium
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

How can you minimize the risk of drug interactions? Always provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you’re taking. This information allows them to make informed decisions about your treatment plan and monitor for potential interactions.

Proper Storage and Handling of Diazoxide and Chlorothiazide

To ensure the effectiveness and safety of these medications, proper storage and handling are crucial:

• Store medications in a secure location, out of reach of children
• Keep suspensions, tablets, or capsules at room temperature
• Protect from bright light, direct sunlight, and heat
• Avoid storing in bathrooms or other humid environments

Does proper storage affect medication efficacy? Absolutely. Proper storage not only maintains the medication’s potency but also prevents degradation that could lead to reduced effectiveness or even harmful byproducts.

Monitoring and Follow-up Care for Patients on Diazoxide and Chlorothiazide

Regular monitoring is essential for patients taking diazoxide and chlorothiazide to ensure optimal therapeutic effects and minimize potential risks:

• Regular blood sugar monitoring for patients on diazoxide
• Electrolyte and fluid balance checks for those taking chlorothiazide
• Periodic assessment of kidney function
• Monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate

How often should patients be monitored? The frequency of monitoring depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, overall health status, and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will establish an appropriate monitoring schedule based on individual needs.

Special Considerations for Pediatric Patients

Diazoxide and chlorothiazide are often prescribed to pediatric patients, particularly those with congenital hyperinsulinism. When administering these medications to children, several factors require special attention:

• Dosage calculations based on weight and age
• Potential impact on growth and development
• Increased susceptibility to certain side effects
• Challenges in administering liquid medications to young children

How can parents ensure accurate dosing for their children? Using appropriate measuring devices, such as oral syringes or medicine cups provided by your pharmacist, is crucial for accurate dosing. Never use household spoons, as they can lead to significant dosing errors.

Tips for Administering Liquid Medications to Children

1. Use a medicine syringe or dropper for precise measurement
2. Aim the medication towards the cheek to avoid gagging
3. Consider mixing the medication with a small amount of food or liquid if approved by your healthcare provider
4. Offer praise and positive reinforcement after successful administration

Long-term Management and Prognosis for Patients on Diazoxide and Chlorothiazide

For many patients, particularly those with congenital hyperinsulinism, treatment with diazoxide and chlorothiazide may be long-term. Understanding the long-term implications of these medications is crucial for both patients and caregivers:

• Regular reassessment of medication necessity and dosage
• Monitoring for potential long-term side effects
• Consideration of alternative treatments as the patient grows or their condition changes
• Psychological support for patients on long-term medication regimens

Can patients eventually discontinue these medications? In some cases, particularly as children with congenital hyperinsulinism grow older, it may be possible to reduce or discontinue medication. However, this decision should always be made under close medical supervision.

Transitioning Care from Pediatric to Adult Services

For patients who start these medications in childhood and continue into adulthood, transitioning care from pediatric to adult services is an important consideration:

• Gradual transition process, often starting in adolescence
• Education on self-management and medication adherence
• Coordination between pediatric and adult healthcare providers
• Addressing unique challenges of managing chronic conditions in adulthood

Alternative Treatments and Emerging Therapies

While diazoxide and chlorothiazide are effective for many patients, ongoing research continues to explore alternative treatments and novel therapies:

• Surgical interventions for certain cases of congenital hyperinsulinism
• Gene therapy approaches for genetic forms of hyperinsulinism
• Novel pharmacological agents with potentially fewer side effects
• Combination therapies to enhance efficacy and reduce individual drug doses

Are these alternative treatments widely available? Many alternative approaches are still in research or early clinical trial phases. However, as our understanding of these conditions grows, new treatment options may become available in the future.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Managing Hyperinsulinism

While medications play a crucial role in managing conditions like hyperinsulinism, dietary and lifestyle factors can also significantly impact patient outcomes:

• Tailored dietary plans to help stabilize blood sugar levels
• Regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity
• Stress management techniques to minimize hormonal fluctuations
• Adequate sleep and rest to support overall metabolic health

How can patients incorporate these lifestyle changes effectively? Working with a multidisciplinary team, including endocrinologists, nutritionists, and physical therapists, can help develop a comprehensive management plan that incorporates both pharmacological and lifestyle interventions.

Diazoxide and chlorothiazide suspensions | Great Ormond Street Hospital

Diazoxide is used to treat persistently low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) caused by the body producing too much insulin (hyperinsulinism). Chlorothiazide is a diuretic, that is, a medicine that increases the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. This page from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) describes diazoxide and chlorothiazide, which are usually prescribed together. It explains how they are given and some of their side effects. Each person reacts differently to medicines so your child will not necessarily suffer every side effect mentioned.Diazoxide works by blocking the release of insulin by the body. Chlorothiazide is used in conditions where the body retains too much fluid, causing puffiness (oedema) especially around the eyes or affecting the hands or feet. Chlorothiazide is commonly prescribed alongside diazoxide, as a side effect of this medicine is fluid retention.

How are they given?

Diazoxide is given by mouth two or three times a day. Chlorothiazide is usually given twice a day.

Both are available as a suspension (liquid medicine). For guidance on how to give your child liquid medicines, please read our information sheet or watch our video podcast available on our websiteor the GOSH YouTube™ channel.

Diazoxide and chlorothiazide suspensions are not readily available from your community pharmacy. Neither medicine is available in the UK and so has to be imported from abroad by a licensed pharmaceutical import company. Supplies of these medicines may take longer than usual to obtain, usually several days.

Currently, the Pharmacy department at GOSH obtains diazoxide suspension under the brand name of Proglycem®. The packaging gives the strength of the medicine as 50mg of active ingredient in 1ml of suspension, which is equivalent to 250mg in 5ml. It also contains preservatives, colouring, flavourings and sweetener.

There have been incidents when the wrong strength of other types of medicine have been prescribed so please check the label before giving it your child. If you are given the wrong strength of diazoxide, please inform the team immediately and do not give to your child.

Chlorothiazide suspension is supplied at GOSH in the strength of 250mg of active ingredient in 5ml of suspension. It also contains preservatives, colouring, flavourings and sweetener.

Older children may prefer to take diazoxide and chlorothiazide in tablet or capsule form. Talk to your doctor about this.

Who should not take these medicines?

People with the following conditions should discuss taking these medicines with their doctor.

• Hypersensitivy to diazoxide, chlorothiazide or any of their ingredients
• Pregnant, could be pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding
• Existing heart or lung problems, such as pulmonary hypertension, meconium aspiration, respiratory distress, transient tachypnoea, pneumonia, sepsis, congenital diaphragmatic hernia or congenital heart disease.

What are the side effects?

Note: If your child shows any signs of breathing difficulties, such as flaring nostrils, unusual chest movements, rapid breathing, feeding difficulties or a blue tinge to their lips or skin, please see your doctor or take your child to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.

If any of the side effects described below are severe or carry on for a long time, please tell your doctor.

Diazoxide

• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
• Raised levels of uric acid in the blood, retention of salts and fluid, puffiness (oedema)
• High blood sugar levels
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular or fast heart rate
• Increased hair growth

Chlorothiazide

• Weakness and low blood pressure
• Mild upset stomach
• Changes in blood count

Interactions with other medicines

Some medicines can react with diazoxide and/or chlorothiazide, altering how well they work. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines, including herbal or complementary medicines. The following are known to react with diazoxide and/or chlorothiazide so your child will require regular careful monitoring.

Diazoxide

• Anti-hypertension medicines, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor agonists, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and some diuretics
• Alcohol
• Anti-depressants
• Anti-epileptics including phenytoin
• Anti-psychotics

Chlorothiazide

• Anti-diabetic medicines
• Anti-hypertension medicines as above
• Cholestyramine and colestipol resins
• Corticosteroids
• Lithium
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Important

• Keep medicines in a safe place where children cannot reach them
• Keep the suspension, tablets or capsules at room temperature, away from bright light or direct sunlight and away from heat. Do not store in a fridge.
• If you forget to give your child a dose and it is within a few hours of when the dose was due, give it as soon as you remember. Otherwise, do not give this dose but take the next dose when it is due. Do not give a double dose.
• If your child vomits straight after taking the dose, inform your local doctor or nurse, as your child may need to take another one
• If your doctor decides that your child should stop taking these medicines or they pass the expiry date, return any remaining suspension to your pharmacist. Do not flush it down the toilet or throw it away.

Compiled by:

The Pharmacy and Endocrinology departments in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group Please read this information in conjunction with any patient information leaflet provided by the manufacturer.

Last review date:

July 2020

Ref:

2020F0376

Diazoxide: Pediatric Medication | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Pediatric Medication

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Proglycem

Brand Names: Canada

Proglycem

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat low blood sugar.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Check your child’s blood sugar as you have been told by the doctor.
• Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
• This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your child’s health care providers and lab workers that your child takes this drug.
• Have your child follow the diet plan your child’s doctor told you about.
• It may take several days to see the full effect.
• Watch for gout attacks.
• Severe heart and bowel problems have been reported. Most of the time, these have been in infants and children. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of some side effects may be higher in children.
• A severe lung problem called pulmonary hypertension has happened in infants and newborns treated with this drug. Once this drug was stopped, the lung problem got better or went away. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Severe constipation or stomach pain. These may be signs of a severe bowel problem.
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Change in eyesight.
• Shakiness, trouble moving around, or stiffness.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Hair growth in some areas like the forehead, back, arms, and legs.
• Blue or gray color of the skin, lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes.
• Fast breathing.
• Flaring of the nostrils, grunting, movements of the chest that are not normal, or trouble with feeding.
• This drug may cause your child to swell or keep fluid in the body. Tell your child’s doctor if swelling, weight gain, or trouble breathing happens after this drug is given.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Hair growth.
• Decreased appetite.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Change in taste.
• Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.

Liquid (suspension):

• Shake well before use.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Liquid (suspension):

• Store in the outer carton to protect from light.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-01-12

Copyright

© 2023 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022

Diazoxide – instructions for use

Diazoxide

Instruction:

• Pharmacological action
• Pharmacokinetics
• Readings
• Contraindications
• With care
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Dosage and Administration
• Side effects
• Overdose
• Interaction
• Special instructions
• Transport Management
• Classification

Pharmacological action

Diazoxide is a peripheral arteriolar vasodilator of myotropic action, has a rapid hypotensive (lowering blood pressure) effect due to peripheral vasodilation (expansion of the lumen of the vessels). Expands predominantly resistive vessels, activates potassium channels, causes the release of K ⁺ and hyperpolarization of the membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells, disrupts the function of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and reduces the entry of Ca ²⁺ into cells. When administered intravenously, it causes a rapid decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which is not accompanied by the phenomena of orthostatic hypotension. Leads to retention of Na ⁺ and water. It has a strong relaxing effect on the gastrointestinal tract and uterus. Reduces glomerular filtration and inhibits the excretion of uric acid in the tubules of the kidneys.

Pharmacokinetics

When administered intravenously, the maximum plasma concentration (C _max ) is reached after 2-5 hours.

Plasma protein binding is 90%.

Metabolized in the liver (up to 60%), excreted by the kidneys. The half-life is 2-28 hours.

Indications

Hypertensive crises, especially those associated with acute encephalopathy, acute glomerulonephritis and eclampsia.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to diazoxide;
• acute cerebrovascular accident;
• acute stage of myocardial infarction;
• functional hypoglycemia;
• period of childbirth;
• lactation.

Precautions

• Ischemic heart disease;
• angina;
• heart failure;
• diabetes mellitus;
• pregnancy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use in pregnancy

FDA fetal category C.

Adequate and strictly controlled studies on the safety of the use of diazoxide during pregnancy have not been conducted. The potential risk to humans is unknown.

In experimental studies on animals, a decrease in the growth and survival of fetuses, an increase in the duration of labor was revealed.

The use of diazoxide during pregnancy is not recommended, except in cases of emergency, on the advice of a physician and if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

Childbirth

Due to the pronounced relaxing effect, the introduction of diazoxide in the first stage of labor can lead to the termination of independent labor.

Use during breastfeeding

Special studies on the safety of the use of diazoxide during breastfeeding have not been conducted.

It is not known if diazoxide passes into breast milk.

If necessary, breast-feeding should be avoided.

Dosage and Administration

Intravenous bolus, undiluted, 1–3 mg/kg. The maximum single dose is 150 mg. If there is no effect, re-introduction at the same dose after 5-15 minutes.

Side effects

Headache, dizziness, redness of the skin, edema, hyperglycemia, severe arterial hypotension (up to collapse), the appearance of signs of ischemia of the heart or brain, confusion, allergic reactions.

Overdose

Symptoms

Hyperglycemia, which may be combined with ketoacidosis, as well as glucosuria.

Treatment

Insulin administration and fluid and electrolyte rebalancing. Due to the long half-life of the drug (approximately 30 hours), overdose symptoms require long-term observation (up to 7 days) until the blood glucose concentration returns to normal. Successful reduction of blood diazoxide concentrations has been reported with peritoneal dialysis in one patient and hemodialysis in another.

Interactions

• Diuretics (diuretics) – the hyperglycemic and hyperuricemic effects of diazoxide may be enhanced by the simultaneous administration of thiazides or other commonly used diuretics;
• Anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clots) coumarin derivatives – the use of diazoxide in patients taking coumarin and its derivatives may lead to increased anticoagulant action and require a reduction in the dose of anticoagulant;
• Diphenylhydantoin (epilepsy medicine) – administration of diazoxide to patients taking diphenylhydantoin may cause loss of control of seizures;
• Chlorpromazine (antipsychotic drug) – the hyperglycemic effect of diazoxide may be enhanced by concomitant use of chlorpromazine;
• Insulin (blood glucose lowering drug) blocks the hyperglycemic action of diazoxide. In addition, diazoxide, by inhibiting glucagon-induced insulin release, may cause a false-negative glucagon test;
• alpha-blockers (expand blood vessels and reduce their tone, most often used in the treatment of arterial hypertension and prostate adenoma) – reduce the severity of the hyperglycemic action of diazoxide;
• Antihypertensive drugs (drugs that lower blood pressure) – Diazoxide may increase the effect of antihypertensive drugs.

Special instructions

Diabetes mellitus requires correction of hypoglycemic therapy.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and control mechanisms

It is recommended to refrain from driving and engaging in activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Classification

• ATX

  C02DA01, V03AH01

• Pharmacological group

  Vasodilators

• ICD code 10

  I10 Essential (primary) hypertension

• FDA pregnancy category

  C
  (risk not excluded)

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Find out more about the active substance Diazoxide:

• INN
• Reviews
• Questions
• Latin name
• Chemical formula

Information about the active substance Diazoxide is intended for medical and pharmaceutical professionals, for reference purposes only. The instructions are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information contained here may change over time. The most accurate information on the use of drugs containing the active substance Diazoxide is contained in the manufacturer’s instructions attached to the package.

Diazoxide – Cardiologist – a site about diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Pharmacological action

Diazoxide is a peripheral vasodilator. Expands predominantly resistive vessels (arterioles), reducing peripheral vascular resistance, has no effect on capacitive vessels (veins). According to the mechanism of action, it belongs to the group of potassium channel activators. The opening of potassium channels causes the release of potassium ions and hyperpolarization of the membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells, which disrupts the function of voltage-dependent calcium channels and reduces the entry of calcium ions into the cells.

Intravenous administration of the drug to patients with arterial hypertension causes a rapid drop in systolic and diastolic pressure, an increase in cardiac output and tachycardia. Orthostatic hypotension does not develop. The maximum hypotensive effect occurs 2-5 minutes after intravenous administration of the drug and lasts 2-12 hours, in most cases – 3 hours. Diazoxide causes sodium and water retention in the body, reduces the glomerular filtration rate and excretion of uric acid in the tubules. Edema may occur in patients with heart failure. Diazoxide is a strong uterine relaxant. As a result of inhibition of the release of insulin from the pancreas, diazoxide can cause a hyperglycemic effect.

Pharmacokinetics

Plasma diazoxide is highly protein bound (90%), so intravenous administration must be rapid. The hypotensive effect depends on the dose administered intravenously. About 60% of diazoxide is metabolized, the rest is excreted in the urine in an unchanged state. T _1/2 – 28 hours

Indications

Hypertensive crises, especially those associated with acute encephalopathy, acute glomerulonephritis and eclampsia.

Dosing mode

Intravenous bolus: at a dose of 1 to 3 mg/kg of body weight over 30 seconds, the maximum single dose should not exceed 150 mg.

Intravenous infusion: 10-30 mg/min up to a total dose of 5 mg/kg or reduction in blood pressure, if necessary, repeat the infusion after 4-24 hours.

Avoid getting the drug into the subcutaneous tissues. Urgent therapy of hypertensive conditions should be limited to a few days with the fastest possible transition to oral antihypertensive drugs.

Side effects

Headache, dizziness, skin flushing, Na+ and water retention in the body, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, decreased blood pressure, collapse, tachycardia, ischemia of the heart and/or brain, confusion, allergic reactions.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, compensatory hypertension, disorders of cerebral and coronary circulation.

Special instructions

Rarely used due to unpredictable decrease in blood pressure.

Causes hyperglycemia by suppressing insulin secretion and reducing glucose utilization by tissues. In diabetes mellitus, correction of hypoglycemic therapy is required.

May cause cerebral and myocardial ischemia.

Repeated administration causes significant sodium and water retention.

Used by mouth for chronic hypoglycemia due to insulin-secreting tumors.

When administered intravenously, treatment is continued for no more than 10 days.

Due to the pronounced relaxing effect, the introduction of diazoxide in the first stage of labor can lead to the termination of independent labor.

Drug interactions

Use with caution in patients taking hydralazine, papaverine-like substances, methyldopa or reserpine and other rauwolfia derivatives. Concurrent administration of diazoxide and diuretics, especially thiazides, may enhance the hyperglycemic, hyperuremic and hypotensive effects of the drug.