Diazoxide Disease Interactions

The use of diazoxide is associated with compensatory tachycardia. Therapy with diazoxide should be administered cautiously in patients with tachycardia.

Diazoxide may lead to significant fluid retention, which may precipitate congestive heart failure in patients with impaired cardiac reserve. The fluid retention will respond to conventional therapy with diuretics. Therapy with diazoxide should be administered cautiously in patients with congestive heart failure.

Diazoxide can increase serum uric acid levels due to decreased excretion. This should be kept in mind, particularly in patients with hyperuricemia or a history of gout.

There have been postmarketing reports of pulmonary hypertension in infants and neonates treated with diazoxide. The cases were reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. Patients should be carefully monitored, especially those with risk factors for pulmonary hypertension, or respiratory distress. Diazoxide should be discontinued if pulmonary hypertension is suspected.

The plasma half-life of diazoxide is prolonged in patients with impaired renal function. A reduced dosage should be considered. Serum electrolyte levels should also be evaluated for such patients. Caution and monitoring is advised.