Common uses

Acetazolamide is used to treat glaucoma and to treat and to prevent acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness). It is also used as a part of some treatment plans for congestive heart failure and seizure disorders. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). It is particularly useful in situations when you cannot make a slow ascent. The best ways to prevent altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping for 24 hours during the climb to allow the body to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy the first 1 to 2 days.
This drug is also used with other medications to treat a certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). Acetazolamide is a "water pill" (diuretic). It decreases the amount of fluid that can build up in the eye. It is also used to decrease a buildup of body fluids (edema) caused by congestive heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide can work less well over time, so it is usually used only for a short period.
It has also been used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures (petit mal and unlocalized seizures).
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Acetazolamide may also be used to treat periodic paralysis.

Before using

Before taking acetazolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sulfa medications; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), low blood levels of sodium or potassium, severe kidney disease, severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), certain metabolic problems (e.g., hyperchloremic acidosis).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis), high levels of calcium, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, gout, narrow-angle glaucoma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
While this medication can help you get used to high altitudes and help you tolerate quick climbs, it cannot completely prevent serious altitude sickness. Symptoms of serious altitude sickness may include: severe shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, difficulty concentrating), lack of coordination/staggering walk, extreme tiredness, severe headache.
If you develop any of these symptoms, it is very important that you descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible to prevent serious, possibly fatal problems.
This drug may cause blurred vision or make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar levels rise, causing or worsening diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst or tiredness.
If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar levels regularly. This medication may also cause your blood sugar levels to fall. Symptoms of low blood sugar include fast/pounding heartbeat, shakiness, hunger and sweating. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
This medication should not be used in children less than 12 because it may affect normal growth.
This medication should be used with caution in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially low potassium or sodium levels.
This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Acetazolamide passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Directions

This medication may be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Your dosage depends on your medical condition and response to this drug. Take exactly as directed by your doctor. This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor about this.

Cautions

Be very careful about taking high doses of aspirin if you are also taking Diamox. Effects of this combination can range from loss of appetite, sluggishness, and rapid breathing to unresponsiveness; the combination can be fatal.
If you have emphysema or other breathing disorders, use this drug with caution.
If you are taking Diamox to help in rapid ascent of a mountain, you must still come down promptly if you show signs of severe mountain sickness.

Possible side effects

Most Frequent:
Anorexia, Diarrhea, Dysgeusia, Fatigue, Head Sensation Disturbance, Increased Urinary Frequency, Malaise, Nausea, Sensation Disturbance of Limbs, Trunk Sensation Disturbance, Vomiting, Weight Loss

Less Frequent:
Crystalluria, Depression, Drowsy, Flushing, Hematuria, Hyponatremia, Kidney Stone

Rare:
Abnormal Hepatic Function Tests, Acidosis, Agranulocytosis, Anaphylaxis, Aplastic Anemia, Black Tarry Stools, Blood Dyscrasias, Bloody Stools, Dizziness, Dyskinesia, Fever, Glycosuria, Headache Disorder, Hepatic Necrosis, Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemic Disorder, Hypokalemia, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Impaired Cognition, Jaundice, Leukopenia, Muscle Weakness, Muscular Paralysis, Myopia, Parosmia, Photophobia, Renal Failure, Seizure Disorder, Skin Photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Tinnitus, Tonic Clonic Seizure, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Tremors, Unsteady Gait, Urticaria

If you take too much

There is no specific information available on Diamox overdose, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Additional information

For women: The effects of Diamox during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Diamox may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Diamox is finished.

Drug interactions

Most Significant
Hyperchloremic Acidosis, Hyperkalemia, Hyponatremia, Primary Adrenocortical Insufficiency, Renal Tubular Acidosis, Severe Hepatic Disease, Severe Renal Disease

Significant
Blood Dyscrasias, Disease of Liver, Disorder of Electrolytes, Recurrent Calcium Renal Calculi, Renal Disease, Respiratory Acidosis

Possibly Significant
Gout, Respiratory Depression, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus