Acetazolamide

Used in combination with other medicines, Acetazolamide is used to treat various kinds of edema, epilepsy and glaucoma. It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It increases the amount of water absorbed and removed by the kidney, reduces the fluid pressure in the eyeball by decreasing its formation, and blocks nerve discharges that cause seizures.

It is also prescribed as a diuretic, adjunct treatment of refractory seizures and acute altitude sickness; centrencephalic epilepsies (sustained release not recommended for anticonvulsant).

If your blood has low levels of potassium and sodium, or if you have adrenal gland problems or if you have high levels of chloride or other electrolyte problems, then Acetazolamide is not to be prescribed. Taking aspirin alongside may increase the chance of Acetazolamide’s side effects.

Acetazolamide is taken with or without food from the mouth. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water while taking this medicine. If a stomach upset occurs while taking it, take it with some food so as to reduce irritation.

Some of the common side effects of Acetazolamide are changes in taste, drowsiness, blurred vision, frequent urination, vomiting and diarrhea. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience severe allergic reactions, blood in the urine, convulsions, fever, etc.

Symptoms of overdose include low blood sugar, tingling of lips and tongue, nausea, yawning, confusion, agitation, tachycardia, sweating, convulsions, stupor, and coma. Hypoglycemia should be managed with 50 mL I.V. dextrose 50% followed immediately with a continuous infusion of 10% dextrose in water (administer at a rate sufficient enough to approach a serum glucose level of 100 mg/dL).

The use of corticosteroids to treat hypoglycemia is controversial, however, the addition of 100 mg of hydrocortisone to the dextrose infusion may prove helpful. Take as directed; do not chew or crush long-acting capsule (contents may be sprinkled on soft food). You will need periodic ophthalmic examinations while taking this medication.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Glaucoma

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

• Liver Disease

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Anorexia

• Diarrhoea

• Metallic Taste

• Polyuria

• Drowsiness

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Rash

• Hypokalemia

• Dry Mouth

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Acetazolamide may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Acetazolamide is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine should be used under close supervision.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Acetazolamide is contra-indicated in cases of marked kidney and liver disease.

• Does this affect liver function?

  There is no interaction between liver impairment and consuming this drug. So dose alteration is not needed.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The duration of action of this medicine may vary from 18 - 24 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medicine is initiated within 2 hours after its ingestion.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  If you miss a dose of Acetazolamide, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Acetazolamide as ingredient

• Diamox 250mg Tablet

  Pfizer Ltd

• ACTAMIDE 250MG TABLET

  Micro Labs Ltd

• Glumox 250Mg Tablet

  Pharmtak Ophtalmics India Pvt Ltd

• Cap 250Mg Capsule Sr

  Sunways India Pvt Ltd

• Iomide 250Mg Tablet

  Hicare Pharma

• Ac Mox Tablet

  Optica Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

• Iopar 250Mg Capsule Sr

  FDC Ltd

• ACETA 250MG TABLET SR

  Mmatrics Pharmaceuticals

• Albox 400Mg Tablet

  Oxford Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

• Avva 250Mg Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

The hindrance of carbonic anhydrase within the central nervous system results in the anticonvulsant activity of this medication. This resultantly lowers the tension brought on by the presence of carbon dioxide in the lung alveoli.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Lab Test

  May cause false-positive results for urinary protein with Albustix®, Labstix®, Albutest®, Bumintest®.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Decreased effect: Increased lithium excretion and altered excretion of other drugs by alkalinization of urine (such as amphetamines, quinidine, procainamide, methenamine, phenobarbital, salicylates); primidone serum concentrations may be decreased.
  • Increased toxicity: Cyclosporine trough concentrations may be increased resulting in possible nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity; salicylate use may result in carbonic anhydrase inhibitor accumulation and toxicity including CNS depression and metabolic acidosis; digitalis toxicity may occur if hypokalemia is untreated.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Use in impaired hepatic function may result in coma; use with caution in patients with respiratory acidosis and diabetes mellitus; impairment of mental alertness and/or physical coordination may occur.
  • Drug may cause substantial increase in blood glucose in some diabetic patients; malaise and complaints of tiredness and myalgia are signs of excessive dosing and acidosis in the elderly.

• Interaction with Food

  May be administered with food to decrease GI upset.

• Ques : What does Acetazolamide do?

  Ans : Acetazolamide reduces the pressure inside the eyes, known as intraocular pressure. This helps to reduce the risk of damage to the optic nerve responsible for normal vision. If the pressure in the eye is not controlled, it can gradually lead to blindness. Acetazolamide effectively controls ocular hypertension and certain types of glaucoma by decreasing the pressure in the eyes.

• Ques : Who should not take Acetazolamide?

  Ans : People suffering from cirrhosis, severe liver or kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland failure, or an allergy to Acetazolamide should not take this drug. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or are breastfeeding to avoid any harmful effect on your baby.

• Ques : Is Acetazolamide effective?

  Ans : It is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition.

• Ques : I feel better now, can I stop using Acetazolamide?

  Ans : No, you should not stop using this drug suddenly without talking to your doctor. This is because if you stop the medication before completing the treatment, your symptoms may return or even worsen.

• Ques : What if I forget to take a dose of Acetazolamide?

  Ans : If you forget a dose of this drug, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take it in the regular schedule instead of taking the missed dose. Do not double the dose as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

• Acetazolamide-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 11 June 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/acetazolamide

• Acetazolamide-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 11 June 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00819

• ACETAZOLAMIDE capsule,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 11 June 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=ACETAZOLAMIDE