Acetazolamide



Diamox® Sequels®







Acetazolamide

(a set a ZOLE a mide)

U.S. Brand Names
Diamox® Sequels®
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Acetazolamide®; Diamox®
Mexican Brand Names
Acetadiazol®
Pharmacologic Category
Anticonvulsant, Miscellaneous; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor; Diuretic, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor; Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to acetazolamide or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a sulfonamide (“sulfa”) allergy, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Acidic blood condition, kidney disease, liver disease, low potassium levels, low sodium levels, lung disease, or poor adrenal function.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid.
  • This medicine is used to prevent altitude sickness.
  • This medicine is used to prevent seizures.
  • This medicine is used to treat glaucoma.
How does it work?
  • Acetazolamide gets rid of extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys.
  • It calms the brain.
  • It shortens the time it takes to get used to the high altitude.
  • It lowers pressure in the eye.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake suspension well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
  • This medicine has little effect on symptoms of altitude sickness once they occur.
  • Follow laws about driving with a seizure condition.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If you are using this medicine for glaucoma, have eye pressure checked regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • If seizures are worse or different after starting medicine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Follow directions for storage of liquid (suspension).
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: