Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Diamox

Generic Name: acetazolamide

Brand Names: Diamox, Diamox Sequels

What is Diamox expected to be used for?
Diamox (acetazolamide) controls fluid secretion. It is used in the treatment of glaucoma (excessive pressure in the eyes), epilepsy (for both brief and unlocalized seizures), and fluid retention due to congestive heart failure or drugs. It is also used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of acute mountain sickness in climbers attempting a rapid climb and those who feel sick even though they are making a gradual climb.
Diamox may also be used for other purposes prescribed by your doctor and not listed above.

What is the most important information I should know before using Diamox?
Call your doctor at once if you experience a rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, pain in your side or groin, fever, a sore throat or tingling or tremors in your hands or feet. These symptoms could be early signs of a serious side effect.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diamox may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Diamox may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

In which cases Diamox shouldn't be used?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based medication such as sulfamethoxazole (for example, Bactrim, Gantanol, Septra). Diamox is also a sulfa-based medication, and you may have a similar reaction to it.
Before taking Diamox, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease
• are on aspirin therapy
• have liver disease
• have a hormonal disease
• have heart disease
• have lung disease

How should I take Diamox?
Take Diamox exactly as directed by your doctor.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Diamox with food if it upsets your stomach.

What happens if I miss a dose of Diamox?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose Diamox?
Seek emergency medical attention at once.
Symptoms of an Diamox overdose are not well known, but the following symptoms might be expected: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, shaking, dizziness, decreased appetite and numbness or tingling.

What are Diamox side effects?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Diamox and seek emergency medical attention:

• tingling or tremors in your hands or feet
• a sore throat or a fever
• a rash
• side or groin pain
• an allergic reaction (closing of your throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives)
• unusual bleeding or bruising

• worsening gout
• ringing in your ears or hearing problems
• changes in your vision
• loss of blood sugar control (if you are diabetic)
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• nervousness or mild tremor
• headache or confusion
• vomiting, nausea, decreased appetite, changes in taste, diarrhea or constipation
• drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, or weakness

What other medications will affect Diamox?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• salsalate (Disalcid, Salflex, Salsitab, etc.), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Magan, Mobidin), aspirin, choline salicylate (Arthropan), and other aspirin-like products (salicylates). These medications may also interact with Diamox, and special monitoring of your therapy may be necessary.
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others). Diamox may decrease the level of lithium in your blood. Special monitoring or a dosage adjustment may be necessary.
• primidone (Mysoline). Primidone may not be as effective if it is taken with Diamox, and seizure control may be reduced.
• diflunisal (Dolobid). Diflunisal may increase both the activity and the side effects of Diamox.
• cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Cyclosporine may have more side effects if it is taken with Diamox.

How is Diamox should be stored?
Store Diamox at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Remember, keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed by your doctor.