Diazoxide (dye-az-OX-ide)

Treats severe high blood pressure in a medical emergency.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• It is best to remain lying down while you receive this medicine, and for at least 1 hour afterward.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or medicine to lower blood pressure. Some blood pressure medicines are atenolol, hydralazine, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, methyldopa, metoprolol, papaverine, prazosin, Accupril®, Aldomet®, Apresoline®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Minipress®, Norvasc®, Pavabid®, Prinivil®, Toprol®, and Zestril®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or congestive heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have circulation problems, or if you have ever had a blood clot or stroke.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Burning, stinging, or irritation of your skin where the needle is placed.
• Chest pain or tightness.
• Choking, coughing, or trouble breathing.
• Confusion, seizure.
• Slow heartbeats, or fast pounding heartbeats.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Headache, blurred vision.
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite.
• Ringing in your ears.
• Sleepiness.
• Sweating, flushing, or warm feeling.
• Unusual hair growth on the face, arms, legs, or back.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088