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- $Unique_ID{BRK03012}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{acetazolamide}
- $Subject{AK-Zol Akorn Dazamide Major Lederle Diamox Sequels Carbonic anhydrase
- inhibitor acetazolamide glaucoma epilepsy edema fluid retention mountain
- sickness}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- acetazolamide
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)
-
- acetazolamide (various manufacturers)
- AK-Zol (Akorn)
- Dazamide (Major)
- Diamox (Lederle)
- Diamox Sequels (Lederle)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- acetazolamide
-
- DOSAGE FORMS
-
- Tablets (125 mg and 250 mg)
- Sustained-release capsules (500 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Acetazolamide tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature
- in tightly closed containers.
-
- USES
-
- This medication is used to treat glaucoma, epilepsy, and edema (fluid
- retention) and to prevent or treat the symptoms of mountain sickness.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take acetazolamide with
- food or with a full glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to
- do otherwise).
- The sustained-release form of this medication should be swallowed whole.
- Chewing, crushing, or breaking these capsules destroys their sustained-release
- activity and possibly increases the side effects.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
- possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not
- take the missed dose; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not
- double the next dose.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Confusion, drowsiness, increased urination, loss of appetite, or a
- tingling feeling. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to
- the medication.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- back pain; bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; convulsions;
- difficult or painful urination; fever; rash; unusual bleeding or bruising; or
- yellowing of the eyes or skin.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Acetazolamide interacts with other types of medications:
- 1. Acetazolamide can decrease the excretion through the kidneys of
- amphetamines, ephedrine, flecainide, mexiletine, pseudoephedrine, tocainide,
- and quinidine, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects with these
- medications. Acetazolamide can also increase the side effects (to the bones)
- of phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone.
- 2. Dosage adjustments of insulin or oral antidiabetic medications may be
- necessary when this medication is started.
- 3. The therapeutic benefits of methenamine, methotrexate, lithium, or
- large doses of aspirin may be decreased by acetazolamide.
- Before starting to take acetazolamide tablets or capsules, BE SURE TO
- TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications that you are currently taking,
- especially any of the medications that are listed above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any medications, especially to acetazolamide, methazolamide, sulfonamide
- antibiotics, diuretics (water pills), oral antidiabetics, dapsone, sulfone, or
- sulfoxone.
- * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
- you now have or if you have ever had acidosis, Addison's disease (underactive
- adrenal gland), chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte
- disorders, gout, kidney disease, or liver disease.
- * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in any
- activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
- potentially dangerous equipment.
- * Although several generic versions of this drug are available, you
- should not switch from one brand to another without your doctor's or
- pharmacist's approval. Not all of these products are equivalent.
- * Tolerance to this drug can develop quickly. Check with your doctor if
- you feel this drug is losing effectiveness.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although this drug
- appears to be safe in humans, birth defects have been reported in the
- offspring of animals that received large doses during pregnancy. Also, tell
- your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known whether
- acetazolamide passes into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-