Diazoxide
Also known as: Proglycem, Hyperstat IV, Eudemine, Glicemin, Hypertonalum, Proglicem, Sefulken, Tensuril
- **Purpose**: This medication is used to prevent life-threatening drops in blood sugar caused by insulin-secreting tumors (insulinomas). - **Administration**: The drug is reportedly very bitter. Administering the medication with meals can help mask the taste and reduce gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting or diarrhea. Compounding pharmacies may be able to formulate a sugar-free flavored liquid. - **Monitoring**: Watch your pet closely for signs of **hyperglycemia** (excessive thirst, increased urination) or returning **hypoglycemia** (weakness, stumbling, seizures, lethargy). - **Adverse Effects**: Contact your veterinarian if you notice abnormal bleeding, severe vomiting/diarrhea, or swelling (fluid retention).
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hypoglycemia secondary to insulin secreting islet cell tumors
- Hypoglycemia secondary to insulin secreting islet cell tumors
- Hypoglycemia secondary to insulin secreting islet cell tumors
- Hypoglycemia secondary to insulin secreting islet cell tumors (refractory)
- Adjunctive therapy of hypoglycemia secondary to insulin secreting non-islet cell (extra-pancreatic) tumors
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
- Tachycardia
- Agranulocytosis
- Aplastic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cataracts
- Sodium and water retention
- Malaise (ferrets)
- Bone marrow suppression (ferrets)
- Gastrointestinal upset (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea)
Cautions & contraindications
- Functional hypoglycemia
- Hypoglycemia secondary to insulin overdosage in diabetic patients
- Hypersensitivity to thiazide diuretics (unless benefits outweigh risks)
- Hypersensitivity to thiazides
- Functional hypoglycemia (non-insulinoma)
- > **Caution**: Use with extreme care in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) or renal disease due to sodium and water retention properties. - **Hepatic Disease**: Adverse effects may be more pronounced in dogs with concurrent hepatic disease. - **Pregnancy**: FDA Category C; animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus. Use only if benefits outweigh risks. - **Laboratory Interference**: May cause a false-negative insulin response to the glucagon-stimulation test and displace bilirubin from plasma proteins.
Drug interactions
- Alpha-adrenergic agents (e.g., phenoxybenzamine): May decrease the effectiveness of diazoxide in increasing glucose levels
- Hypotensive agents (e.g., hydralazine, prazosin): Diazoxide may enhance the hypotensive actions of other hypotensive agents
- Phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine, chlorpromazine): May enhance the hyperglycemic effects of diazoxide
- Phenytoin: Diazoxide may increase the metabolism, or decrease the protein binding of phenytoin
- Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide): May potentiate the hyperglycemic effects of oral diazoxide. Can be used synergistically, but caution is advised as hypotension may occur
- Thiazide diuretics: Potentiate hyperglycemic and hyperuricemic effects
- Phenothiazines: May potentiate hyperglycemia
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers: May antagonize the effects of diazoxide
- Highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, warfarin): Diazoxide is highly protein-bound and may displace or be displaced by other drugs, altering free drug concentrations
Frequently asked questions
What is Diazoxide used for in pets?
- **Purpose**: This medication is used to prevent life-threatening drops in blood sugar caused by insulin-secreting tumors (insulinomas). - **Administration**: The drug is reportedly very bitter. Administering the medication with meals can help mask the taste and reduce gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting or diarrhea. Compounding pharmacies may be able to formulate a sugar-free flavored liquid. - **Monitoring**: Watch your pet closely for signs of **hyperglycemia** (excessive thirst, increased urination) or returning **hypoglycemia** (weakness, stumbling, seizures, lethargy). - **Adverse Effects**: Contact your veterinarian if you notice abnormal bleeding, severe vomiting/diarrhea, or swelling (fluid retention).
Is Diazoxide safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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