GENERIC NAME: ACETAZOLAMIDE - ORAL (uh-seet-uh-ZOHL-uh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Diamox
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is used for certain seizure disorders, glaucoma or altitude sickness.
HOW TO USE: 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.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to it. Rise slowly from a seated or lying position. Blurred vision, loss of appetite, itching, stomach upset, headache and weakness may also occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle cramps or pain, sore throat, skin rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, tingling of the hands or feet. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: low sodium or potassium blood levels, adrenal gland problems, lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, any allergies. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery if this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy. Acetazolamide should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Tonometry - Get the facts on tonometry, a method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) and detecting glaucoma. Learn how tonometry is performed and the equipment that's used during the procedure.
- Glaucoma - Get information about glaucoma and its symptoms, signs, and causes. Learn about treatment, prevention, and research on the leading cause of blindness.
- Seizure (Epilepsy) - Learn about epilepsy, or seizure disorder. Causes include head injury, trauma, prenatal injury, poisoning, medications, stroke, heart attacks, alcoholism, infection, and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included in the information.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows