Diazoxide injection

What is this medicine?

DIAZOXIDE (dye az OX ide) helps to reduce blood pressure in an emergency situation. It is not for regular use in the reduction of blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

The medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• chest pain, palpitations

• confusion

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• trembling, restlessness

• unusual swelling or sudden weight gain

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste

• diarrhea or constipation

• flushing, or warming sensations of the skin

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• pain or warmth along the injected vein

• sweating

• unusual excessive hair growth

What may interact with this medicine?

• diuretics

• medicines for high blood pressure

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart or blood vessel disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diazoxide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Report symptoms of high blood sugar promptly, including increased urination, unusual thirst, dry mouth, drowsiness, flushed, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, loss of appetite, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, troubled breathing.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.