Review Drug

Brand names Diamox , Diamox SR

Used in the following combined preparations None

General Information

Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which acts as a diuretic by affecting chemical processes in the kidney and other parts of the body. One of the principal actions of this drug is to reduce the volume of fluid in the anterior (front) chamber of the eye, making acetazolamide a valuable drug in the treatment of glaucoma. It is occasionally used with other drugs for certain types of epilepsy and to treat or prevent acute mountain (altitude) sickness. It is sometimes prescribed to prevent a rare hereditary disease (familial periodic paralysis) associated with changes in potassium levels and muscle weakness. It is rarely used as a diuretic to treat fluid retention in heart failure or liver disease.

Information For Users

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without
checking with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets.

SR-capsules.

Injection.

Frequency and timing of doses

4 x daily (the drug is not necessarily taken every day) or 2 x daily (slow-release
capsules, which should be swallowed whole).

Adult dosage range

250-1,000mg daily.

Onset of effect

Within 30 minutes.

Duration of action

6-24 hours.

Diet advice

Use of this drug may reduce potassium in the body, so you should eat plenty of
fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate
acetazolamide from the kidneys.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

Missed dose

No cause for concern, but take the next dose as usual.

Stopping the drug

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large
overdoses may cause nausea and confusion. Notify your doctor.

Possible Adverse Effects

There are a number of troublesome side effects associated with acetazolamide.

In some cases, side effects can become severe enough to make stopping the drug
necessary.

Interactions

Thiazide diuretics Excessive loss of potassium may occur when thiazide diuretics
are taken with acetazolamide. The combination is usually avoided.

Aspirin may increase the levels of acetazolamide and increase the risk of
adverse effects.

Lithium Acetazolamide may reduce blood levels of lithium.

Quick Reference

Drug group Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretic and drug for glaucoma .

Overdose danger rating Medium

Dependence rating Low

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic Yes

Special Precautions

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have long-term liver, kidney, urinary, or lung problems.

You have Addison’s disease.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Not usually prescribed. May cause abnormalities in the developing baby. Discuss
with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

The drug passes into the breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Not usually prescribed. Reduced dose necessary.

Over 60

Increased likelihood of adverse effects.

Driving and hazardous work

Avoid such activities until you know how acetazolamide affects you because the
drug can cause dizziness and confusion.

Alcohol

Keep consumption low. Dehydration could occur after consumption of alcohol.

Prolonged Use

Serious problems are unlikely, but levels of certain salts in the body may
occasionally become disrupted during prolonged use.

Monitoring Periodic tests may be performed to check on kidney function, levels
of body salts, and to detect any effects on the blood.