Diazoxide
Diazoxide choline is a medication used to treat hyperphagia (excessive, insatiable hunger) in patients 4 years of age and older with Prader-Willi syndrome. It belongs to the ATC-C02 class of antihypertensive medications. While the exact mechanism by which it reduces hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome is not fully understood, it is believed to work through potassium channel activation.
Diazoxide choline is used to manage hyperphagia in patients 4 years and older with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C02DA01
- RxNorm
- 3327
- Generic
- Diazoxide
- Class
- atc-c02
- Brands
- Proglycem, Vykat
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 200-400mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 3-5mg/kg per day in divided doses
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use unless clearly necessary; monitor fetal growth
regular ultrasound and fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue before delivery if possible; may cause neonatal hyperglycemia
fetal monitoring and maternal blood glucose
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment; drug excreted in breast milk
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
neonates infantsuse with caution; weight-based dosing
monitor blood glucose closely; may cause hyperglycemia
frequent blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose
monitor renal function and blood pressure; increased sensitivity to hypotensive effects
regular blood pressure and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateadjust dose based on renal function
monitor renal function; may need dose reduction in moderate impairment
regular renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderateadjust dose based on hepatic function
use with caution; primarily metabolized in liver
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Thiazide derivative potassium channel activator
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Diazoxide
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action
Treatment of hyperphagia (excessive appetite and insatiable hunger) in patients 4 years of age and older with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
The exact mechanism of action for treating hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome is unknown. As an antihypertensive in the ATC-C02 class, it may work through potassium channel activation in vascular smooth muscle, though this does not fully explain its effects on appetite regulation in PWS.
Specifically indicated for PWS patients aged 4 and older. The exact mechanism for its anti-hyperphagic effects remains unknown. May cause side effects including fluid retention, hyperglycemia, and hypotension. Use should be under appropriate medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy