Sign inBefore taking diazoxide
Before taking diazoxide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have heart disease or have a history of heart disease.
- If you have kidney or blood pressure problems.
- If you have ever had gout.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take diazoxide
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take diazoxide tablets exactly as directed by your doctor.
- You will probably need to take your tablets 2 or 3 times a day. Try to take your doses at the same times each day to avoid missing any.
- If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Diazoxide may cause your body to retain water and you may need to take diuretic tablets (also known as 'water tablets') to help you get rid of this excess fluid.
- You may need to test the levels of sugar in your blood to make sure your condition is being well controlled.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will need to have blood tests and your doctor will want to monitor your blood pressure regularly. Children will need their growth and development checked.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking diazoxide.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can diazoxide cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, loss of appetite | This usually only lasts for the first couple of weeks of treatment. Eat little and often. Stick to a simple, well-balanced diet of non-spicy foods |
| Dizziness or faintness especially when you stand up | Getting up slowly may help. If you feel dizzy, sit down for a few moments until the feeling passes |
| Shaking, stiff awkward movements, or unusual eye movements | Tell your doctor about any of these |
| Swollen feet and ankles, fast heartbeat, fine body hair | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store diazoxide
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)