Diazoxide

Diazoxide is one of the most important derivatives of benzothiadiazine. The drug is used as a potassium channel opener in the treatment of hypoglycaemia and is taken orally in the form of capsules. The effect of diazoxide is u. a. due to an inhibition of the release of insulin.

What is diazoxide?

Diazoxide is an important member of the group of so-called antihypoglycaemics. In the specialist human medical literature, this includes various preparations or active ingredients that are prescribed for the treatment of a pathogenically decreased concentration of glucose in the blood (so-called hypoglycemia).

From a chemical point of view, diazoxide is a derivative of benzothiadiazine. As such, diazoxide, also known as Diazoxidum has no diuretic effects. The lipophilic substance is described in pharmacology and chemistry by the empirical formula C 8 - H 7 - C - I - N 2 - O 2 - S. This corresponds roughly to a moral mass of 230.67 g / mol.

At room temperature, diazoxide is a white, crystalline powder. In preparations, the medicinal substance is usually used in capsules that the patient can take orally on their own. Preparations containing diazoxide are subject to pharmacy and prescription requirements in the European Union, so purchasing them on your own is not permitted.

Pharmacological effect on the body and organs

Diazoxide has a strong hyperglycemic effect. This means that the substance leads to increased blood sugar, thus avoiding hypoglycaemia. Thus, the effect of diazoxide can be compared to a hypoglycemic, i.e. H. blood sugar-dropping effect.

Many years of research have shown that the hyperglycemic effects of diazoxide are based on an inhibition of the release of insulin. The drug can therefore also be referred to as an insulin inhibitor. Diazoxide is also considered a potassium channel opener.

It is also believed that increases in blood sugar levels are generally related to insulin levels. This could be due to an increase in catecholamines.

Medical application & use for treatment & prevention

Diazoxide is indicated for the treatment of hypoglycaemia. In addition, the drug is also used in preparations for the therapy of glycogen storage disease, congenital leucine hypersensitivities, malignant hypertension and kidney insufficiency.

Diazoxid is administered orally in the form of capsules and taken by the patient independently after a doctor's prescription. In the European Union, diazoxide is subject to pharmacy and drug requirements, so a doctor's prescription is always required.

The best-known preparations that contain diazoxide include Proglicem® (sold in Germany and Switzerland) and Proglycem® (sold in the USA).

Risks & side effects

Taking diazoxide does not remain free from risks. The likelihood of side effects occurring depends on the individual disposition of the patient and the particular preparation taken.

The use of diazoxide must be avoided entirely if there is a contraindication. This is the case during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as with heart failure and after a heart attack. Even with a known hypersensitivity to diazoxide, the drug must not be administered, as the risks become uncontrollable.

The undesirable side effects of diazoxide to be considered include reactions of the skin (e.g. rash, wheals, redness or itching), increased cholesterol levels in the blood and the development of addiction.

Other undesirable side effects that can occur after taking diazoxide include fever, general weakness or malaise, dizziness, restlessness, sleep disorders, severe fatigue, headaches and aching limbs.

Pancreatitis and cardiac arrhythmias are also possible. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract can also occur. After taking diazoxide, these manifest themselves mainly through diarrhea (diarrhea), constipation (constipation), nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.