$Unique_ID{BRK01813}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ACETAZOLAMIDE}
$Subject{acetazolamide (various manufacturers)
AK-Zol (Akorn)
Dazamide (Major)
Diamox (Lederle)
Diamox Sequels (Lederle)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ACETAZOLAMIDE
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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.  It is
unclear exactly how acetazolamide works.

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
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), 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.

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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.
