Proglycem (Diazoxide)

Name: Proglycem
Brand: Merck
SKU: 1904
Availability: InStock

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Type:

Product: Proglycem Capsule

Manufacturer: Merck

Country: Canada

Dosage: 100 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Proglycem

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There is no generic product of Proglycem.

Proglycem Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on December 16, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Proglycem at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Proglycem (diazoxide) is manufactured and marketed by Merck in Canada.

Generic diazoxide is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).

Dosage:

Proglycem (diazoxide) is available as a 100 mg capsule. It is also available in other forms and strengths.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical history.

Usage:

Proglycem (diazoxide) is a prescription drug used to treat severe, persistent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by the body producing or releasing too much insulin (hyperinsulinism) in adults and children. It serves as an essential treatment when standard methods fail, usually addressing conditions like inoperable pancreatic tumors or certain congenital hyperinsulinism disorders in infants and children. It is not used for diet-related or mild hypoglycemia.

Mechanism of Action:
Proglycem (diazoxide) helps raise low blood sugar by directly controlling insulin release from the pancreas. It does this by targeting and activating ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels) on insulin-producing beta cells. This process stabilizes the cell membrane (hyperpolarizes it), which prevents the necessary influx of calcium ions. Because calcium entry triggers insulin secretion, Proglycem effectively blocks excessive insulin secretion, resulting in an immediate and significant rise in blood glucose levels. This helps to correct severe hypoglycemia caused by hyperinsulinism.

Take Proglycem exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Proglycem, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before starting Proglycem, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Side Effects – The following are some common side effects of Proglycem; other side effects may also occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects persist, worsen, or concern you, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Edema (swelling, usually of the ankles, feet, or hands, due to salt and water retention)
• Gastrointestinal Issues (abdominal pain, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting)
• Headache
• Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth, often widespread, including on the head, face, and body, and is very common in children)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

Other Potential Side Effects (less common):
• Hematological Changes (decrease in white blood cells (leukopenia), decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia))
• Hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels in the blood, which can lead to gout)
• Skin Rashes (pruritus, dermatitis)
• Sleep Disturbances
• Taste Alteration
• Temporary Hair Loss

Serious Side Effects: These are rare but potentially severe. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following:
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Since the drug raises blood sugar and suppresses insulin, this life-threatening complication of high blood sugar can occur, particularly in patients with Type 1 diabetes or during acute illness.
• Fluid Overload/Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Due to significant salt and water retention, this can lead to or worsen heart failure, especially in patients with pre-existing heart or kidney problems.
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
• Severe Hyperglycemia (dangerously high blood sugar).

Note: Diazoxide is a non-diuretic medication with antidiuretic properties. This property often leads to clinically significant sodium and fluid retention, which may require co-administration of a conventional diuretic.

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Progylcem, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take Proglycem/diazoxide if you have the following conditions:
• Benign/Functional Hypoglycemia: The condition causing the low blood sugar is not due to hyperinsulinism (excessive insulin). Proglycem is only effective and indicated for hypoglycemia caused by hyperinsulinism.
• Hypersensitivity: You have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to diazoxide or to thiazide diuretics or other sulfonamide derivatives (due to the structural chemical relationship).
• Malignant Hypertension: Oral diazoxide (Proglycem) is contraindicated for the treatment of malignant hypertension (as this requires injectable, rapid-acting forms, which carry different risks).

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Proglycem. This is crucial as certain conditions affect the drug's safety.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Cardiovascular disease, especially congestive heart failure, is linked to a risk of fluid retention and edema, which can impair heart function.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Patient history of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2), since the medication significantly increases blood glucose and could trigger or worsen ketoacidosis.
• Gout: History of gout, as Proglycem can increase uric acid levels, potentially triggering or worsening gout attacks.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function, which can affect the drug's excretion and fluid balance.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Pregnancy, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Proglycem, discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the official product monograph from Merck Canada at https://www.merck.ca/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/04/PROGLYCEM-PM_E.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, recreational drugs, and any significant dietary changes, as these may interact with Proglycem. Proglycem may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:

Interactions Intensifying Proglycem's Effects (Hyperglycemia & Fluid Retention)
• Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide) and Other Diuretics
o Thiazides are chemically similar to Proglycem and are often prescribed together to manage fluid retention. However, this combination can significantly increase the risk of severe high blood sugar and elevated uric acid levels. Your healthcare provider must closely monitor your blood glucose and uric acid levels to manage these amplified effects.

Interactions That Counteract Proglycem's Purpose (Lowering Blood Sugar)
• Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemic Agents (e.g., Sulfonylureas, Metformin):
o These medications are designed to lower blood sugar, which directly antagonizes (works against) Proglycem's goal of raising blood sugar. If you are taking these drugs, they will significantly reduce or negate Proglycem's therapeutic effect. A specialist must meticulously manage dosage adjustments for all medications to maintain blood sugar control and prevent life-threatening complications like ketoacidosis.

Interactions Affecting Blood Pressure and Bleeding Risk
• Antihypertensive Agents (Blood Pressure Medications):
o Proglycem has a modest blood pressure-lowering effect on its own. When combined with other blood pressure medications, it can cause an increased risk of dangerously low blood pressure. Your blood pressure will need to be monitored closely, and the doses of your other blood pressure medications may need to be reduced.
• Coumarin Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners, e.g., Warfarin):
o Proglycem can increase the level of active Warfarin in your bloodstream, leading to a more substantial anticoagulant effect and a higher risk of bleeding. Your doctor will need to monitor your blood-clotting times (e.g., INR) closely and may lower your anticoagulant dose.
• Phenytoin (Dilantin) (Anti-seizure Medication):
o Taking Proglycem with Phenytoin may lead to a loss of seizure control. Your healthcare provider will need to monitor your condition carefully for any signs of increased seizure activity.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Proglycem (diazoxide) is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding because its safety has not been conclusively established, and the medication is known to cross the placenta. Its use during pregnancy is reserved only for cases where the mother's severe hypoglycemia presents a greater immediate threat than the medication's risks, as it can cause temporary effects in the newborn, such as changes in body hair, hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice), and blood levels. Since the medication passes into breast milk, you must consult your healthcare provider to carefully weigh the necessity of the drug for your health against the potential risks to the nursing infant, who may require close monitoring.

Use in Children

Proglycem (diazoxide) is frequently used in children, unlike many other diabetes medications, because its primary indication is the treatment of hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinism, a condition often diagnosed in infancy or childhood. This may include hypoglycemia caused by congenital hyperinsulinism or certain tumors. Because the condition is life-threatening, the use of Proglycem is justified; however, it requires careful monitoring, particularly of blood glucose levels, fluid balance, and blood pressure, given the risk of severe adverse effects, including hyperglycemia and fluid retention, in pediatric patients.

Frequently Asked Questions about Proglycem at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is Proglycem more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Progycem, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower prices than in the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many Proglycem I am allowed to order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can dispense only a three-month supply of Proglycem at a time, per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Proglycem over the counter from you?

No, Proglycem requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Proglycem?

No, there is no generic available for this product.

What is Proglycem used for in dogs?

Proglycem for dogs contains diazoxide, a drug that inhibits insulin secretion and helps control hypoglycemia. The indications to use Proglycem to treat hypoglycaemia are few, such as to prevent a pancreatic tumor that is producing too much insulin, and it should always be given under veterinary supervision. Dr Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS, reviews this.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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