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| Pronunciation |
|
 (a
set a ZOLE a
mide) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Diamox®; Diamox
Sequels® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Acetazolam® (Canada);
Apo-Acetazolamide® (Canada); Novo-Zolamide®
(Canada) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Anticonvulsant, Miscellaneous; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor; Diuretic, Carbonic
Anhydrase Inhibitor; Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to acetazolamide, sulfonamides, or any other
part of the medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Liver disease; low sodium
and/or potassium levels; poor adrenal function, hyperchloremic acidosis, severe
kidney disease or severe lung disease; narrow angle
glaucoma.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to treat glaucoma.
- Other uses include ridding the body of extra salt and water,
preventing seizures.
- It also prevents altitude sickness by shortening the time of
acclimation during rapid ascents. It also decreases or prevents symptoms of
altitude sickness. It has little effect on symptoms once they
occur.
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| How does it work? |
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- Acetazolamide decreases production of fluid behind the eye. It lowers
the pressure in the eye.
- It gets rid of salt and water through the kidneys. It calms the brain
to prevent seizures.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- Swallow sustained-release capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Shake well
first.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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|
- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Be careful if you have G-6-PD deficiency. Anemia may occur. Talk with
healthcare provider.
- You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen;
wear protective clothing and eyewear.
- Use caution if you have lung disease. This includes chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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|
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea.
- Metal-like taste. Food may have a bitter or sour
taste.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- If you are using this medicine for glaucoma, get eye pressures checked
regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Serious eye pain or changes in vision if using for glaucoma.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
- Follow directions from pharmacy for storage of
suspension.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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