Common use

Acetazolamide helps to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication decreases headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that are likely to occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters).

This drug may be also used with other medications to treat a certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma) or to treat certain types of seizures (petit mal and unlocalized seizures).

Acetazolamide may also be used in other cases.



Dosage and direction

Take the drug only as prescribed because dosage and schedule may vary on your condition and other factors.

It is advised to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and not to take more or less medication than prescribed.

It is advised to start taking acetazolamide 1 to 2 days before you start to climb. Also continue taking it while you are climbing.

Inform your doctor about your condition.



Precautions

Before you start taking Acetazolamide, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Aged people may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug.



Contraindications

Acetazolamide is contraindicated in patients who have serious kidney, liver or eye problems.

This medicine should not be taken by pregnant women and children as well as in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any component of the tablet.

Acetazolamide is not recommended while breast-feeding.



Possible side effects

The most common side effects are dizziness, lightheadedness, an increased amount of urine, blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, etc.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is very rare, but seek immediate medical help if it occurs.

Many people using this medicine do not have serious side effects.

In case you notice any side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.



Drug interaction

Acetazolamide may interact with:

* cyclosporine (Sandimmune);

* primidone (Mysoline);

* diflunisal (Dolobid);

* aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salflex, Salsitab, others) and other aspirin-like products;

* lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others).

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.



Missed dose

If you have missed your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you see that it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take the dose twice.



Overdose

If you think you have used too much of this medicine seek emergency medical attention right away. The symptoms of overdose usually include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting.



Storage

Store your medicines at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.