Acetazolamide

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Generic name: Acetazolamide
Brand names: Diamox, Diamox Sequels
Related Medical Conditions: Congestive Heart Failure, Edema, Glaucoma, Mountain Sickness
Related Groups: Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor

Acetazolamide Articles

Contents

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What is Acetazolamide?

Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase is a protein in your body. Acetazolamide reduces the activity of this protein.

Acetazolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Acetazolamide decreases the pressure in the eye. Acetazolamide is also used to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms (upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue) of altitude (mountain) sickness. Acetazolamide is used with other medicines to reduce edema (excess water retention) and to help control seizures in certain types of epilepsy.

It is also used as a part of some treatment plans for congestive heart failure and seizure disorders.

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Acetazolamide Usage and Dosage

Acetazolamide comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth.

Take acetazolamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take acetazolamide with food if it upsets your stomach.

If you are taking the extended-release (long-acting) form of acetazolamide (Diamox Sequels), do not crush or chew the capsules.

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Acetazolamide Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetazolamide and seek emergency medical attention:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • a sore throat or a fever;
  • unusual bleeding or bruising;
  • side or groin pain;
  • tingling or tremors in your hands or feet;
  • a rash.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take acetazolamide and talk to your doctor if you experience:

  • decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or changes in taste;
  • drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, or weakness;
  • nervousness or mild tremor;
  • headache or confusion;
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight;
  • worsening gout;
  • loss of blood sugar control (if you are diabetic);
  • ringing in your ears or hearing problems;
  • changes in your vision.
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Other Drugs Interaction

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

  • cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Cyclosporine may have more side effects if it is taken with acetazolamide.
  • primidone (Mysoline). Primidone may not be as effective if it is taken with acetazolamide, and seizure control may be reduced.
  • diflunisal (Dolobid). Diflunisal may increase both the activity and the side effects of acetazolamide.
  • aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salflex, Salsitab, others), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Magan, Mobidin), and other aspirin-like products (salicylates). These medicines may also interact with acetazolamide, and special monitoring of your therapy may be necessary.
  • lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others). Acetazolamide may decrease the level of lithium in your blood. Special monitoring or a dosage adjustment may be necessary.
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Acetazolamide Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

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