Acetazolamide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Acetazolamide (a-seet-a-ZOLE-a-mide)

Treats glaucoma, certain types of epilepsy, mountain sickness, and other conditions. Belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Brand Name(s):

Diamox Sequels

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetazolamide or related medicine such as methazolamide (Neptazane®) or dichlorphenamide (Daranide®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.
  • Use this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.
  • May be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open.
  • You will need to go to the bathroom more often while you are taking this medicine. To keep from having to go too often during the night, take this medicine in the morning. If you use more than 1 dose a day, take your last dose before 6 p.m. (unless your doctor tells you differently).

If a dose is missed:

  • Use the missed dose as soon as you remember.
  • If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use your medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking aspirin, amphetamines (Dexedrine®), quinidine, or methenamine (Mandelamine®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Check with your doctor before taking if you have lung, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, gout, or a poorly working adrenal gland (Addison's disease).
  • Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • If you use acetazolamide for seizures, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.
  • Acetazolamide can make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.
  • You may need to eat or drink foods containing potassium, such as citrus juices, oranges, or bananas, to prevent potassium loss while taking this medicine - check with your doctor.
  • This medicine may increase the level of sugar in your blood or urine, which can worsen diabetes.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Skin rash, hives, or itching
  • Painful urination
  • Bloody stools or urine
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Pain in joints or lower back

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness
  • Frequent urination
  • Appetite loss or a metallic taste in mouth
  • Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or mouth
  • Vision changes
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