Oral diazoxide contraindicated in severe hypertension with renal failure.

Diazoxide was given orally to nine hypertensive patients with renal failure and its effect on blood pressure and on glucose metabolism was studied. There was no long-term antihypertensive effect. During treatment insulin release and glucose assimilation after an intravenous glucose load were frankly impaired, but this impairment was reversible after stopping the treatment. Two major complications (diabetic ketoacidosis and pancreatitis) were observed. In view of these observations, the authors are of the opinion that oral diazoxide is contraindicated in the treatment of hypertension in patients with renal failure.