Proglycem

Generic name: diazoxide (oral) [ DYE-az-OX-ide ]
Drug classes: Agents for hypertensive emergencies, Glucose elevating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 21, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Proglycem?

Proglycem raises blood sugar by slowing the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Proglycem is used to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by certain cancers or other conditions that can make the pancreas release too much insulin. Proglycem is for use in adults and children as young as infants.

Proglycem may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Proglycem side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Proglycem may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• breathing problems in an infant or newborn treated with Proglycem;

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.

Common side effects of Proglycem may include:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• fine hair growth on the face, arms, and back (especially in women or children);

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• diarrhea, constipation; or

• decreased sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not take Proglycem to treat occasional low blood sugar caused by diet.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to Proglycem or to certain heart or blood pressure medicines such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor HCT, Vaseretic, Zestoretic, and others.

You should not take Proglycem to treat occasional low blood sugar caused by diet.

To make sure Proglycem is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure;

• high blood pressure;

• kidney disease;

• gout; or

• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether diazoxide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Proglycem?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take Proglycem in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Proglycem is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours. Take the medicine at the same time intervals each day.

Proglycem usually begins to work within 1 hour, and its effects can last up to 8 hours.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and your urine may also need to be tested for ketones. Call your doctor at once if you have abnormal test results. You may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.

Proglycem is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

If your condition does not improve after taking Proglycem for 2 to 3 weeks, stop taking this medicine and talk to your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme thirst or very dry mouth, fruity breath odor, stomach pain, vomiting, increased urination, confusion, and high ketones in the urine.

What should I avoid while taking Proglycem?

Do not use other medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Proglycem?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• a diuretic (water pill); or

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with diazoxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Frequently asked questions

• Should you use a diuretic with diazoxide?
• How does diazoxide (Proglycem) cause hyperglycemia?
• Is diazoxide a vasodilator?
• How does diazoxide slow insulin?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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