WHAT IS ACETAZOLAMIDE?
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase (a type of body protein) inhibitor drug that lowers the activity of this protein. It is a water pill or diuretic that reduces the amount of fluid that can build up in the eye and increase intraocular pressure (fluid pressure in the eye). It is prescribed for the treatment of glaucoma. Other uses of this medication are to prevent acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness) as well as being a part of a treatment sometimes for congestive heart failure and seizure disorders. It may also be given for conditions not listed here.
Acetazolamide is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Diamox and Iopar (made by FDC).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ACETAZOLAMIDE:
Seek immediate medical attention if you get any of these conditions while taking Acetazolamide (Diamox, Iopar): sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, tingling or tremors in your hands or feet, pain in your side or groin area, or a rash. These symptoms could be early signs of a serious side effect.
Take extra care while driving or doing anything which requires a high level of alertness and attention. Acetazolamide may cause drowsiness or dizziness which may impact your thinking and reflexes.
Acetazolamide is a sulfa-based drug. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs like sulfamethoxazole, then taking Acetazolamide may also cause an allergic reaction. Also prior to taking Acetazolamide, inform your doctor if you have any of these pre existing conditions: liver, kidney, heart, or lung disease, or if you are taking aspirin. You may not be able to take Acetazolamide safely on top of these conditions or you may need a lower than usual dosage of this medication.
Acetazolamide is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known if this medication can harm an unborn baby if it is used while being pregnant. It can pass into breast milk. However, it is not known whether it can harm a nursing baby. Notify your doctor in advance if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast feeding a baby.
BEFORE TAKING ACETAZOLAMIDE:
Before taking Acetazolamide, take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE ACETAZOLAMIDE?
Take Acetazolamide (Diamox, Iopar) strictly as advised by your doctor. Don?t alter the course of the medication in any way, either by amount or by duration. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer it for more details if you have any doubts, or call your doctor or pharmacist.
Take each dose of Acetazolamide with a glass of water. Take it with food to avoid any chances of stomach upset. Always store Acetazolamide medication in a cool and dry place.
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose of Acetazolamide, take it as soon as you remember it. However, skip the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is near. Don?t take extra medication or two doses near to each other, to compensate for the missed dose.
WHAT IF I OVERDOSE?
Get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately if you take an overdose of Acetazolamide and experience serious symptoms which may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and fainting.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING ACETAZOLAMIDE?
Your thinking capability and reflexes may be impacted after taking Acetazolamide. Take care while doing an activity that requires greater mental alertness and reflexes such as driving.
SIDE EFFECTS OF IOPAR SR – 250MG:
COMMON
• Dizziness
• Light Headedness, Or Increased Urination
• Blurred Vision
• Dry Mouth
• Drowsiness
• Appetite Loss
• Stomach Upset
• Headache, And Tiredness
SERIOUS
• Increase Body Hair
• Hearing Loss
• Ringing In Ears
• Unusual Tiredness
• Persistent Nausea Or Vomiting, Or Severe Stomach Or Abdominal Pain
ACETAZOLAMIDE DOSING INFORMATION:
Acetazolamide dosage will be decided by your doctor and may differ from patient to patient. Dosage depends of lot of factors like age, sex, seriousness of the condition among several others. Follow your doctor?s instructions.
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS:
Some of the drugs which can interact with Acetazolamide are cyclosporine, primidone, diflunisal, lithium, aspirin, salsalate, choline salicylates, magnesium salicylates, and other drugs like aspirin. These drugs can either increase the side effects of the respective medications or reduce their effectiveness. Some medications may also be removed from the body due to the interaction.
The list of drugs mentioned above is not a complete one and there may be other drugs which can interact with Acetazolamide. Always consult your doctor before starting a new medication and before stopping or altering the course of any existing ones.
