Drug Name

Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Drug Uses

Diamox is used to treat glaucoma and to treat and to prevent acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness). It is also used as a part of some treatment plans for congestive heart failure and seizure disorders.

How to use

Use Diamox as directed by your doctor.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Diamox with food if it upsets your stomach.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Diamox is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase is a protein in your body. Diamox reduces the activity of this protein.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Diamox, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Diamox at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Diamox out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Diamox if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Diamox;
• you have adrenal gland problems, low blood levels of potassium or sodium, kidney problems, liver problems (eg, cirrhosis), high blood levels of chloride, or other electrolyte problems.

• Diamox may cause drowsiness or temporary vision changes. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Diamox with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Diamox may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Diamox. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Diamox before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - Diamox may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Diamox may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Diamox.
• Lab tests, including blood electrolyte levels, complete blood cell count, or platelet levels, may be performed while you use Diamox. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Diamox should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Diamox while you are pregnant. Diamox is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Diamox.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; changes in taste; constipation; diarrhea; drowsiness; frequent urination; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine; changes in hearing; convulsions; dark, bloody stools; dark urine; fast breathing; fever; lack of energy; lower back pain; red, swollen, or blistered skin; ringing in the ears; sore throat; tingling of the arms or legs; unusual bleeding or bruising; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Diamox is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.