General Information
Brand names and manufacturer
Type: OTC/Prescription/schedule
Pronunciation
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Diamox tab (Wyeth)
Acetazolamide is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Acetazolamzide is pronounced as: a-set-a-ZOLE-a-mide
Acetazolamzide is a diuretic drug belongs to group called carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.
Acetazolamide is used in treatment of following conditions
- To reduce oedema due to Nephrotic syndrome, Cirrhosis etc
Acetazolamide is also used in the treatment of following conditions
- Epilepsy/ seizure disorder
- Take Acetazolamide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take oral dose of Acetazolamide preferably with meals to avoid gastric upset.
- Take plenty of oral fluid when on Acetazolamide.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.
- Do not skip doses or stop taking Acetazolamide without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to sulpha drugs like sulphamethoxazole, sulphonamides etc
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like,
- NSAIDs(Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac etc
- Lithium (mood stabilizer)
- Digoxin
- Insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs
- Other Anti hypertensive drugs
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical diseases , as Acetazolamide should be used cautiously in these conditions
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Addisons disease
- Chronic non congestive angle closure glaucoma
- Lung disease
- Electrolyte disturbance
Do not take acetazolamide if you are hypersensitive to sulphonamides.
Do not take acetazolamide if you are suffering from severe hepatic and renal disease and if you have glaucoma.
Old people: Older people may be more sensitive to its adverse effects.
Pregnant woman: Acetazolamide belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that acetazolamide may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether acetazolamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take acetazolamide with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding baby.
Other: Regular monitoring of body electrolytes, complete blood cell counts is required when on acetazolamide to look for side effects.
Acetazolamide sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Avoid prolong exposure to sunlight or wear long sleeved clothing& use sunscreen when you go out in sun.
Acetazolamide is available in the form of tablet and sustained release capsules.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The overdose symptoms of Acetazolamide are
- Very dry mouth , increased thirst
- Giddiness
- Tingling and numbness in extremities
- Drowsiness
- Ringing sensation in ears (tinnitus)
Acetazolamide may cause following side effects
Consult your doctor immediately if notice following symptoms.
- Allergic reaction like swollen lips, hives, difficulty in breathing, rashes. Peeling of skin etc
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes, skin)
- Increased thirst, dry mouth
- Numbness & tingling sensation
- Lower back pain, dark colored urine
Store acetazolamide at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
- Acetazolamide causes dizziness and visual disturbances. Hence avoid alcohol which may worsen this side effects and activities which requires you to be alert like driving , operating heavy machinery etc.
- Acetazolamide may interfere with the results of some lab test like urinary proteins, serum uric acid levels etc. Inform your lab personnel regarding Acetazolamide medication prior to the test.
- Acetazolamide may increase the amount of urine or may increase the frequency to urinate more often. Therefore take Acetazolamide preferably during daytime to avoid waking up during night for urination.
- If you are diabetic and taking acetazolamide, keep a close watch on your blood glucose levels.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: April 3, 2012