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Acetazolamide

  • You should not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy or feel your vision is disturbed after taking this medicine.

About acetazolamide

Type of medicine Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Used for Glaucoma
Epilepsy
Fluid retention
Altitude sickness
Also called Diamox
Diamox SR
Available as Tablet
Injection

Acetazolamide works by stopping the action of a chemical in the body called carbonic anhydrase. This reduces the amount of a substance called bicarbonate which is responsible for high pressure in the eye.

Before taking acetazolamide

Before taking acetazolamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are allergic to drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, sulfonamides or thiazide diuretics.
  • If you have low potassium or sodium in your blood.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have a type of glaucoma called chronic, non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma.
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus.
  • If you have problems with your lungs.
  • If you suffer from gout.
  • If you suffer from Addison's disease.

How to take acetazolamide

  • The dose will vary depending on what you are being treated for.
  • Take exactly as directed by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You should keep your appointments with your doctor- s/he will want to monitor your progress and may take blood tests from time to time.
  • You should not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy or if your vision is disturbed after taking this medicine.

Can acetazolamide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Nausea, vomiting Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of water.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Rash Speak to your doctor if you notice any unusual skin rash.
Dizziness, drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Myopia (far-away objects appear blurred) Speak to your doctor.

How to store acetazolamide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3257		 DocRef:
dils2146		 Last Updated:
19 Apr 2007		 Date of Next Review:
18 Apr 2009		 Version:
22








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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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