Acetazolamide (Injection)

Introduction:

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

Treats glaucoma, certain types of epilepsy, and fluid retention (edema).

Brand Name(s):

Novaplus AcetaZOLAMIDE

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 sulfa drugs. You should not use this medicine if you have kidney or liver disease (including cirrhosis), or a poorly working adrenal gland such as Addison's disease. In some cases, you should not use this medicine if you have low levels of sodium or potassium, in your blood. This medicine should not be used long-term for a type of glaucoma called chronic noncongestive angle-closure glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

  • You should not take aspirin while you are using acetazolamide unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines that contain aspirin are Aggrenox®, Alka-Seltzer®, and Percodan®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have diabetes, or lung, kidney, or liver disease.
  • In rare cases, some people have severe reactions to sulfa drugs. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash, bruises, sore throat, or fever while you are using this medicine.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Bloody stools or urine.
  • Dark urine, decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Pain, itching, or burning, where your IV needle is placed.
  • Painful urination.
  • Severe itching, bleeding from your gums or nose.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

  • Drowsiness or confusion.
  • Loss of appetite or an unusual taste in your mouth.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
  • Ringing in your ears or trouble hearing.
  • Vision changes.
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