Doses - DIAZOXIDE, ORAL

Dogs:

For hypoglycemia secondary to insulin secreting islet cell tumors:
a) 10 mg/kg divided twice daily PO with meals; may increase dose up to 60 mg/kg to alleviate signs of hypoglycemia, if tolerated. (Lothrop 1989)
b) 10 mg/kg/day initially, may increase gradually up to 40 mg/kg/day if needed. (Leifer 1986)
c) If after frequent feedings (4-6 small meals per day) and glucocorticoids (prednisone 1.1 - 4.4 mg/kg/day) alone fail to control hypoglycemia or dog develops "Cushinoid" appearance, add diazoxide (reduce prednisone dose if "Cushinoid") initially at 10 mg/kg divided twice a day. May gradually increase dosage to 60 mg/kg/day as tolerated and add hydrochlorothiazide (2 - 4 mg/kg/day). (Feldman and Nelson 1987c)
For adjunctive therapy of hypoglycemia secondary to insulin secreting non-islet cell (extrapancreatic) tumors:
a) Diazoxide 5-13 mg/kg PO tid (may add hydrochlorothiazide 2 - 4 mg/kg/day) (Weller1988)
Monitoring Parameters -

1) Blood (serum) glucose

2) CBC (at least q3-4 months)

3) Physical exam (monitor for symptoms of other adverse effects¯see above)
Client Information - Clients should be instructed to monitor for symptoms of hyper- or hypoglycemia, abnormal bleeding, GI disturbances, etc.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Finding a supply of this medication may be a problem.
Diazoxide Oral Capsules 50 mg; Diazoxide Oral Suspension 50 mg/ml in 30 ml dropper bottles;
Proglycem® (Baker Norton); (Rx)
Also available as 50 mg tablets in the U.K. as Eudemine® (Allan & Hanburys).