Type of medicine: antihypoglycemic (antidote for low blood sugar)
Generic and brand names: diazoxide, oral; Proglycem
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat low blood sugar. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you have the liquid form, shake well before each dose. Use the dropper supplied with the medicine to make sure you get the right dose. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
Follow any special diet recommended by your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: extreme weakness, blurred vision, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, tremors, confusion.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to check how well the medicine is working. You may be able to do your own testing for blood sugar levels and blood pressure at home, but your healthcare provider will do other tests. Keep all appointments.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Because this medicine works by preventing the natural release of insulin by your body, it may cause high blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider to explain. Some of the signs of high blood sugar are increased thirst, drowsiness, fruity-smelling breath, flushing, increased urination, and loss of appetite. If you develop any of these signs, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you take this medicine for a long time, it may cause a temporary increase in hair growth. Hair growth should return to normal when you stop taking the medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Increased urination, increased thirst, unusual swelling, trouble breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, confusion, trembling or shaking of hands and fingers, unusual bruising or bleeding, vision problems; severe dizziness or fainting.
Other: Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, loss of appetite, change in sense of taste, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, increased hair growth, anxiety.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
