The Acute Hemodynamic Effects of Diazoxide in Man

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Abstract
The acute hemodynamic effects of the non-diuretic benzothiadiazine, diazoxide, were measured in 5 hypertensive patients and 5 normotensive subjects. In both groups diazoxide produced a significant and prompt reduction in supine arterial blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and cardiac output, a marked decrease in peripheral resistance, but no change in right atrial mean pressure or stroke volume. The depressor effect of this drug in man is caused by a reduction in systemic arteriolar tone. Chronic oral administration of diazoxide, when combined with a diuretic benzothiadiazine, is associated with a significant incidence of hyper-glycemia. Hirsutism is another untoward reaction. The mechanisms of these toxic effects are not known. The rapid onset of its depressor action and the lack of reduction in cardiac output suggest that parenteral diazoxide may be a useful drug in selected patients with hypertensive emergencies. Additional cautious trial of intravenous diazoxide in patients with severe hypertension seems indicated, although further evaluation may reveal other side effects that will preclude its usefulness even in such circumstances.