Acetazolamide is a diuretic medication that treats swelling caused by heart disease. It works by helping your body make more pee so you can lose salt and excess water from your body. It can also treat seizures, certain types of glaucoma and prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. The brand name of this medication is Diamox®.
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What is this medication?
ACETAZOLAMIDE (a set a ZOLE a mide) reduces swelling related to heart disease. It may also be used to reduce swelling caused by medications. It works by helping your kidneys remove more fluid and salt from your blood through the urine. It may also be used to treat conditions with increased pressure of the eye, such as glaucoma. It can also be used with other medications to prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy. It can also be used to prevent or treat symptoms of altitude sickness. It works by increasing the amount of oxygen in your body. It belongs to a group of medications called diuretics.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Diamox
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Diabetes
Glaucoma
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Low adrenal gland function
Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
An unusual or allergic reaction to acetazolamide, sulfa, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Methazolamide
This medication may also interact with the following:
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Cyclosporine
Lithium
Medications for diabetes
Methenamine
Other diuretics
Phenytoin
Primidone
Quinidine
Sodium bicarbonate
Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Aplastic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, increased bleeding or bruising
High acid level—trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue, confusion, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting
Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
Kidney stones—blood in the urine, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Blurry vision
Change in taste
Loss of appetite
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet