Diazoxide Side Effects

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

Applies to diazoxide: oral suspension.

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:

More common side effects

• increased hair growth, especially on the forehead, back, arms, and legs

Incidence not known

• loss of appetite
• loss of taste
• weight loss

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:

Rare side effects

• chest pain

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain
• black, tarry stools
• blood in the urine
• bloody nose
• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• dry mouth
• extreme thirst
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• heavier menstrual periods
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• loss of consciousness
• nausea
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• seizures
• skin rash
• stomachache
• sweating
• troubled breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• urinating large amounts or urinating very little
• vomiting
• weakness

For healthcare professionals

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

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]

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