Proglycem (Diazoxide)
Proglycem (Diazoxide) Dosage and Side Effects
PROGLYCEM is used to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by certain cancers or other conditions that can make the pancreas release too much insulin. This medicine is for use in adults and children as young as infants.
Proper Use of this medication
PROGLYCEM usually begins to work within 1 hour, and its effects can last up to 8 hours.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and your urine may also need to be tested for ketones. Call your doctor at once if you have abnormal test results. You may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.
PROGLYCEM is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
If your condition does not improve after taking PROGLYCEM for 2 to 3 weeks, stop taking PROGLYCEM and talk to your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme thirst or very dry mouth, fruity breath odor, stomach pain, vomiting, increased urination, confusion, and high ketones in the urine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- breathing problems in an infant or newborn treated with PROGLYCEM;
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
- signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Common side effects may include:
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
- fine hair growth on the face, arms, and back (especially in women or children);
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
- diarrhea, constipation; or
- decreased sense of taste.
Warnings and Precautions
You should not take this medicine to treat occasional low blood sugar caused by diet.
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to PROGLYCEM or to certain heart or blood pressure medicines such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor HCT, Vaseretic, Zestoretic, and others.
You should not take PROGLYCEM to treat occasional low blood sugar caused by diet.
To make sure PROGLYCEM is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- congestive heart failure;
- high blood pressure;
- kidney disease;
- gout; or
- low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether PROGLYCEM passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Interactions with this medication
Do not use other medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
- a diuretic (water pill); or
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with PROGLYCEM, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.