Diamox (Acetazolamide) Information

Diamox

Diamox, with the generic name of Acetazolamide, is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.Diamox works by reducing the activity of carbonic anhydrase, a protein found in the body.

Diamox Indications

Diamox is specially formulated to treat and prevent ailments that include:

• Glaucoma
• Acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness)
• Some treatment plans for congestive heart failure
• Seizure disorders
• Diamox Warnings/Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have allergic reactions to sulfa-based drugs such as Bactrim, Septra, and Gantanol. Diamox is a sulfa-based medicine and you may have similar adverse effects to it.

Also tell you doctor if you are or have any of the following conditions:

• On aspirin therapy
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Hormonal disease

In any of the above cases, it may not be advisable to take Diamox, or you may need to undergo special monitoring during the treatment period, or may be given dosage alterations.

Diamox belongs to FDA Pregnancy Category C. This entails that its effects to an unborn child is not certain. Should you be pregnant, have a talk with your doctor before taking Diamox.

Diamox is known to pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers are strongly suggested to see their doctor before deciding to be under Diamox, as it is not known how it may affect the breastfeeding baby.

Diamox Intake Instructions

Diamox must be taken as directed by your physician. If there is any instruction that appears unclear to you, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Each dose of Diamox is taken with a full glass of water. Diamox is not a stomach irritant so it can be taken on a full or empty stomach.

Diamox Missed Dose

Unless directed by your doctor, Diamox must not be double dosed. If you happen to miss a dose of Diamox, take it as soon as you remember as long as it is not almost time for the next scheduled dose. Otherwise, skip missed dose of Diamox and proceed with the next.

Diamox Overdose

Symptoms of over dosage of Diamox are made evident by the following:

• Drowsiness
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Dumbness or tingling
• Shaking
• Ringing in the ears

If you feel any of the above conditions with Diamox, seek medical help immediately.

Diamox Side Effects

Stop intake of Diamox and see your doctor if you experience any of these severe side effects:

• Allergic reactions (difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or hives
• Soar throat or fever
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Side or groin pain
• Tingling or tremors in the hands or feet
• Rashes

Minor side effects that are more likely to occur include:

• Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or changes in taste
• Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue or weakness
• Nervousness or mild tremor
• headache or confusion
• Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• Worsening gout
• Loss of blood sugar control, if diabetic
• Ringing in the ears or hearing problems
• Changes in vision

In any of the less severe cases above, continue use of Diamox and inform your doctor about it.

For other side effects for Diamox that are particularly causing discomfort, tell your doctor at once.

Diamox Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the drugs below before deciding to take Diamox:

• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
• Primidone (Mysoline)
• Diflunisal (Dolobid)
• Aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salflex, Salsitab), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Doan’s, Magan, Mobidin), and other aspirin-like products (salicylates)
• Lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)

Other drugs may also have adverse reactions when taken with Diamox. Have a talk with your doctor before deciding to take other prescribed or over-the-counter medicines.