Diazoxide

Diazoxide is an antihypertensive agent that is used to treat hypertension and to lower blood sugar levels. It is also used in the management of certain types of secondary hyperaldosteronism, such as Conn's syndrome. Diazoxide exerts its antihypertensive effects by causing mild vasodilation directly through the opening of potassium channels and an inhibition in release of renin by the kidney. It also has a hypotensive effect by decreasing levels of certain hormones that promote salt and water retention.

Uses for

Diazoxide is mainly used to control hypertension in adults. It can also lower excessively high levels of calcium caused by certain endocrine disorders, such as Conn's syndrome, and is used to manage hyperglycemia. Diazoxide may be used with other medications in order to better control hypertension or diabetes.

Brand Name Diazoxide
Type
Weight
Generic Diazoxide
Manufacturer
Available in English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Diazoxide is believed to work by stimulating the release of sodium ions into the blood, which lowers blood pressure. The drug also directly relaxes the smooth muscles of arteries, further decreasing blood pressure. In addition, diazoxide prevents the release of renin, a hormone that can cause the retention of sodium and water. This also has an antihypertensive effect.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

The effects of diazoxide can be felt almost immediately. It begins to have an effect within minutes after oral administration or intravenous injection, and its effects usually last up to 8 hours.

Absorption

Diazoxide is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The peak effects of diazoxide occur approximately 1 hour after oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Diazoxide is mainly metabolized by the liver. About 60% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. The remainder is metabolized to an inactive form.

Dosage

For both adults and children: a starting oral dose of 5mg/kg body weight divided into 2 or 3 equal doses per 24 hours will establish the patient's response and thereafter the dose can be increased until the symptoms and blood glucose level respond satisfactorily. Regular determinations of the blood glucose in the initial days of treatment are essential. The usual maintenance dose is 3-8mg/kg/day given in two or three divided doses.

Patients with renal impairment: Reduced doses may be required in patients with impaired renal function.

In children with leucine-sensitive hypoglycaemia: A dosage range of 15- 20mg/kg/day is suggested.

In adults with benign or malignant islet-cell tumours producing large quantities of insulin: High dosages of up to 1,000mg per day have been used.

Dosage of diazoxide varies depending on the reason for its use and any other medical conditions the patient may have. The usual starting dose is 400-600mg per day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 2.4 g/day. Increase the dose slowly over a period of weeks to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. In patients with secondary hyperaldosteronism, the dosage should not exceed 600mg/day.

Administration

Diazoxide may be given orally or intravenously. For oral administration, diazoxide tablets should be taken with food or a glass of water. For intravenous administration, the solution should be injected slowly over a period of a few minutes.

Side Effects

Common side effects of diazoxide include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and diarrhea. Other more serious side effects may include hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest. Patients should contact their doctor if any of these side effects occur.

Toxicity

Overdose of diazoxide can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and even coma. If an overdose is suspected, contact a health care professional or poison control center immediately.

Precaution

Diazoxide can cause seriously low blood pressure. It should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency and congestive heart failure. It should also not be used in patients with a history of an allergic reaction to the drug.

Interaction

Diazoxide may interact with certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, diuretics, and lithium. For safety purposes, patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting diazoxide.

Disease Interaction

Diazoxide can have serious interactions with certain medical conditions. It should not be used in patients with a history of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, or arrhythmias. Patients with Na+ and K+ deficiency should avoid long-term use of diazoxide.

Drug Interaction

Diazoxide may interact with certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, diuretics, and lithium. It can also interact with certain medications used to treat diabetes, such as insulin and sulfonylureas, and can worsen glycemic control.

Food Interactions

No specific food interactions have been reported for diazoxide. However, patients should be aware that this medication can cause low blood sugar levels, and consuming large amounts of certain foods (such as those containing carbohydrates) can result in more pronounced effects.

Pregnancy Use

Diazoxide should not be used during pregnancy, as its safety in pregnant women has not been established. Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should consult their doctor before taking diazoxide.

Lactation Use

Diazoxide has been detected in breast milk, and it is not known if it can be passed onto nursing infants. Women taking diazoxide should not breastfeed.

Acute Overdose

An acute overdose of diazoxide can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and coma. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention.

Contraindication

Diazoxide should not be used in patients with a history of an allergic reaction to the drug, renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, or arrhythmias. It should also not be used in patients with a Na+ and K+ deficiency.

Use Direction

Diazoxide should be taken as prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider. Follow all directions on the medication label and any additional instructions given by your doctor. Dosage is usually 400-600mg per day, taken once a day or in divided doses as advised by your doctor. Do not increase the dose without speaking to your doctor.

Storage Condition

Diazoxide tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original container and out of reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of diazoxide is 1.7-5 L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of diazoxide is approximately 1.5-6 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of diazoxide is 0.4-1.3 L/h/kg.

See in details version Diazoxide also Diazoxide in bangla

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Diazoxide

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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