Proglycem (diazoxide) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for low blood sugar from certain conditions in adults and some children. Proglycem comes as an oral liquid suspension that’s typically taken two or three times per day.

Proglycem is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat low blood sugar due to high insulin in adults with:

  • tumors of the pancreas (islet cell adenoma or carcinoma) that can’t be treated with surgery
  • certain tumors that are not related to the pancreas

Proglycem is also approved to treat infants and children with low blood sugar due to high insulin caused by:

  • an abnormal change in cells of the pancreas (islet cell hyperplasia)
  • leucine sensitivity (a rare metabolic condition)
  • certain tumors that are not related to the pancreas
  • islet cell adenoma (a rare tumor of the pancreas) or adenomatosis (more than one adenoma)
  • nesidioblastosis (when the pancreas makes too many insulin-secreting cells)

Proglycem belongs to a drug class called glucose-elevating drugs. Proglycem is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Proglycem, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Proglycem, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Proglycem provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Proglycem, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Proglycem’s form, strength, and dosages.

Proglycem form

Proglycem comes as an oral liquid suspension.

Proglycem strength

Proglycem comes in one strength of 50 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Doctors may prescribe Proglycem to treat low blood sugar due to high insulin.

If your doctor prescribes Proglycem for low blood sugar, your dose will be based on your body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The typical daily dosage is 3 to 8 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). This amount will be divided equally as one dose taken every:

  • 8 hours (3 times per day)
  • 12 hours (2 times per day)

For example, if your doctor prescribes 3 mg/kg and you weigh 154 lbs (70 kg), your total daily dose will be 210 mg per day. You would either take 105 mg twice per day or 70 mg three times per day.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a higher dosage of Proglycem. For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Children’s dosage

Proglycem is approved to treat low blood sugar due to high insulin in newborns, infants, and children.

The dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kg. One kg equals about 2.2 lb.

The dosage for children is the same as the dosage for adults. Your child will take 3 to 8 mg/kg. This amount will be divided equally as one dose taken once every:

  • 8 hours (3 times per day)
  • 12 hours (2 times per day)

The typical daily dosage for newborns and infants is 8 to 15 mg/kg. This amount will be divided equally as one dose taken every:

  • 8 hours (3 times per day)
  • 12 hours (2 times per day)

A typical starting dosage is 10 mg/kg/day, divided into three equal doses every 8 hours. For example, if your infant weighs 20 lb (about 9 kg), their dosage would be 90 mg/kg/day. They would take 30 mg three times per day.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.

How to take Proglycem

Proglycem comes as a liquid suspension that you swallow. The medication comes with a dropper to measure your dose. You may take your dose with or without food.

It may be helpful to take Proglycem around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Proglycem can work effectively.

If you have questions about how to take Proglycem, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Long-term treatment

Proglycem is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Proglycem is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Proglycem, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Proglycem in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

It’s important that you don’t take more Proglycem than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Effects of an overdose

Overdose effects of Proglycem can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Proglycem

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Proglycem. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.