Diazoxide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 7, 2025.

Applies to diazoxide: oral suspension.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Before you have any kind of medical tests, surgery, dental treatment, or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur if you have a fever or infection. Symptoms of high blood sugar include blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushed and dry skin, a fruit-like breath odor, increased frequency and amount of urination, ketones in the urine, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, rapid and deep breathing, tiredness, or unusual thirst. If symptoms of high blood sugar occur, check your blood sugar level and call your doctor for instructions.

Symptoms of both low blood sugar and high blood sugar must be corrected before they progress to a more serious condition. In either situation, check with your doctor immediately.

Do not take any other medicine, unless prescribed or approved by your doctor, since some may interfere with this medicine's effects. This especially includes over-the-counter (OTC) or nonprescription medicine such as that for colds, cough, asthma, hay fever, or appetite control.

Common side effects of diazoxide

Some side effects of diazoxide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of diazoxide

Along with its needed effects, diazoxide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diazoxide:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to diazoxide: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet extended release.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia, palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Hypotension, transient hypertension, chest pain^[Ref]

Angina with myocardial and cerebral infarction have been associated with the use of a 300 mg intravenous dose of diazoxide.

One case of optic nerve infarction was reported following a single 300 mg bolus dose of diazoxide, as a result of a sudden reduction in diastolic pressure.

Results from one prospective trial conducted in patients with severe hypertension and coronary artery disease showed a 50% incidence of ischemic changes in the electrocardiogram following single 300 mg bolus injections of diazoxide.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Transient loss of taste, headache, dizziness, polyneuritis, paresthesia, extrapyramidal signs^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, ileus, diarrhea^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased levels of serum uric acid
• Frequency not reported: Sodium retention, fluid retention, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar nonketotic coma, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, anorexia^[Ref]

Sodium and fluid retention may precipitate congestive heart failure in patients with compromised cardiac reserve.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary hypertension^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Weakness, malaise, fever^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia with or without purpura, neutropenia, eosinophilia, decreased hemoglobin/hematocrit, excessive bleeding, azotemia, lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Decreased IgG, monilial dermatitis, herpes^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Advance in bone age^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Transient cataracts, subconjunctival hemorrhage, ring scotoma, blurred vision, diplopia, lacrimation^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, insomnia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Decreased urinary output, hematuria, albuminuria, galactorrhea, enlargement of lump in breast^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Increased AST, increased alkaline phosphatase^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Decreased creatinine clearance, reversible nephrotic syndrome^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Hirsutism of lanugo type (mainly on the forehead, back, and limbs), skin rash, pruritus, loss of scalp hair^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Gout, acute pancreatitis/pancreatic necrosis^[Ref]

See also:

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

Diazoxide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer