Diazoxide

Nausea, loss of appetite, stomach upset, and changes in sense of taste may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Abnormal growth of body hair, especially on the forehead/back/arms/legs, may occur. This is usually not permanent and will go away when the drug is stopped.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication can cause sodium and water retention which can cause serious heart problems. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling of arms/legs/hands/feet, unexplained weight gain, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness.

This medication may cause your blood sugar to become too high. Checking your blood sugar and urine for sugar/ketones regularly and telling your doctor the results will help prevent this side effect. High blood sugar can be very serious and worsen quickly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these signs of very high blood sugar occur: need to urinate more often, unusual thirst, fruity breath odor, dizziness, unusual weight loss, deep/rapid breathing, bluish color of lips/skin, extreme drowsiness/confusion, weakness.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, fainting, fast/pounding heartbeat, face/muscle twitching, toe/joint pain, unusual restlessness, muscle cramps/stiffness, shaking (tremor).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking diazoxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other thiazides (such as hydrochlorothiazide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood minerals (low potassium blood levels), diabetes, heart disease (such as heart failure, past heart attack), kidney disease, gout, liver disease.

The suspension (liquid) form of this medication contains alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid alcohol in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

This medication may raise your blood sugar too high under certain conditions. For example, your body may need more insulin while you are under stress due to infection, surgery, or injury. Certain medications (such as corticosteroids like hydrocortisone/prednisone, hormones such as birth control pills) may raise your blood sugar. Your dose may need to be adjusted. Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor right away if any signs of high blood sugar occur (see Side Effects section).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs for high blood pressure (such as enalapril, methyldopa, prazosin), "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), phenytoin.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as a glucagon test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: need to urinate more often, unusual thirst, fruity breath odor.

Do not share this medication with others.

For best results, this medication should be used along with a doctor-approved diet plan. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood sugar, urine sugar/ketones, kidney function, complete blood count, potassium/uric acid levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.