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Antihypoglycaemic (KATP channel opener)

Diazoxide

Brand names: Eudemine, Proglycem

Diazoxide is used to control persistent hypoglycaemia caused by excess insulin secretion, including hyperinsulinism and insulin-secreting tumours.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, hyperpolarising them and inhibiting insulin release, thereby raising blood glucose.

Prescribing in practice

  • It causes sodium and fluid retention, so a diuretic is often co-prescribed and it must be used cautiously in cardiac or renal impairment, with vigilance for heart failure.
  • The MHRA has warned of a risk of pulmonary hypertension, particularly in neonates and infants, requiring monitoring and discontinuation if it develops.
  • Hypertrichosis is a common effect with prolonged use and blood counts can be affected.

Monitoring

Monitor blood glucose, fluid balance and weight, blood pressure and full blood count, with assessment for pulmonary hypertension in infants.

Counselling the patient

  • Increased hair growth may occur and is usually reversible after stopping.
  • Report breathlessness, swelling or rapid weight gain promptly.
  • Do not stop treatment suddenly without medical advice.

Evidence & guidelines

An MHRA Drug Safety Update highlighted the risk of pulmonary hypertension with diazoxide, particularly in neonates and infants.

Reference: SmPC Eudemine; FDA Drug Safety Communication July 2015 (pulmonary HTN); BSPED Hyperinsulinism Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways