Hypotensive and Renal Effects of Diazoxide, a Sodium-Retaining Benzothiadiazine Compound

Diazoxide, a new compound of the benzo-thiadiazine group, has been shown to decrease both systolic and diastolic arterial pressure in mild or moderate hypertensive patients, even though it lacks the saluretic properties characteristic of the other known compounds of the group. Instead of promoting sodium excretion, diazoxide appears to be a powerful sodium- and chloride-retaining agent, its prolonged use leading to important increases in plasma volume and body weight, and probably to some redistribution between extracellular and intracellular fluid. Glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow are often increased during treatment with the drug. Although diazoxide was in several respects a useful hypotensive agent, at least in hypertensive patients without heart failure, it may share with other benzothiadiazine compounds some pancreatic toxicity, a side effect that should be carefully considered during benzothiadiazine treatment.