Diazoxide

Diazoxide: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

A diuretic that causes vasodilation and inhibits insulin secretion by blocking calcium mobilization

Uses of Diazoxide

• Used to manage hypoglycemia caused by hyperinsulinism in dogs.
• In humans, it is also used in the short-term management of acute hypertension.

Dose of Diazoxide in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

Hypoglycaemia: 5 mg/kg p.o. q12h initially, increasing gradually to 30 mg/kg p.o. q12h.

Cats:

No information is available.

Side Effects of Diazoxide in Dogs and Cats

• The commonest adverse effects are anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea (potentially alleviated by administering drugs with food).
• Hypotension, tachycardia, bone marrow suppression, pancreatitis, cataracts, and electrolyte and fluid retention may occur.
• Drug efficacy may diminish over a period of months.

Contraindications of Diazoxide in Dogs and Cats

No information is available.

Some Notes:

• Phenothiazines and thiazide diuretics may increase the hyperglycaemic activity of diazoxide, while alpha-adrenergic blocking agents (e.g. phenoxybenzamine) may
  antagonize the effects of diazoxide.