ACETAZOLAMIDEProduct code SKU16153

Brand Name(s) : Diamox


ACETAZOLAMIDE USES

What is it used for?

Acetazolamide is used to treat abnormal fluid retention (oedema), increased pressure inside the eye (glaucoma) and epilepsy, a condition that is characterised by recurrent fits or convulsions.
It is a type of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.
It is used to inhibit an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, which is responsible for the production and breakdown of carbonic acid. Pressure in the eye is reduced by stopping carbonic anhydrase from working as this has the effect of reducing the amount of fluid in the eye. When used to treat abnormal fluid retention, acetazolamide causes more bicarbonate to be lost from the body. As bicarbonate takes water with it, an increased quantity of fluid is also lost from the body, reducing fluid retention. Acetazolamide is also thought to stabilise the activity of nerves, thereby helping to control fits and convulsions in epilepsy.
In general this drug is used to reduce excess pressure in the eye (glaucoma) and abnormal fluid retention. It is also used with other drugs to control fits and convulsions in epilepsy.
Benefits of being on this drug can include:

Reduction of raised pressure inside the eye owing to glaucoma, decrease in the number of fits and convulsions owing to epilepsy and a lessening of abnormal fluid retention (oedema).
Listed below are the typical uses of acetazolamide:

Increased pressure inside the eye (glaucoma)
Abnormal retention of fluids (oedema)
Epilepsy (a condition with recurrent fits or convulsions).
On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list. Such conditions are listed below.

Mountain sickness, a condition that results from rapidly moving to high altitudes.



HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

Take acetazolamide exactly as your doctor has told you. Tablets should be taken whole with a glass of water just before or after a meal. Do not chew or crush the tablets. Alternatively, a powdered form may be dissolved in water by a doctor or nurse, who will inject it into one of your veins or a muscle.
Use this medication for the duration of the prescription in order to get the most benefit from it.
Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told otherwise by your doctor.
Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.
What dose?

Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.
Do I need to avoid anything?

Acetazolamide may make you feel drowsy or confused, and may make you short-sighted (myopia). If this occurs, do not drive or operate machinery. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
When can I stop?

Always complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor.

Details

ACETAZOLAMIDE INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur:

Drugs for heart problems, such as digoxin
Drugs to thin the blood and stop the formation of blood clots in the body, such as warfarin
Drugs to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension)
Drugs to treat diabetes
Drugs for epilepsy or fits, such as phenytoin, primidone, carbamazepine and topiramate
Drugs that interfere with folic acid, such as methotrexate, pyrimethamine and trimethoprim
Corticosteroids that are used to treat a range of conditions, including skin diseases and joint pain or inflammation, such as prednisolone
Aspirin and related drugs, such as salicylic acid or choline salicylate

Other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

A drug called ciclosporin that is used for various conditions, such as after organ transplant, or treating psoriasis (a skin condition) or rheumatoid arthritis
Stimulants called amphetamines
Quinidine, used to treat an irregular heartbeat
Methenamine, used to prevent urine infections
Lithium, used to treat depression
Treatment with sodium bicarbonate.
If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting acetazolamide.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using acetazolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.


ACETAZOLAMIDE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache is common
Diarrhoea is common
Feeling or being sick is common
Loss of appetite is common
Thirst is common
A metallic taste in the mouth is common
Flushing is common
Passing more urine than normal is common
Tiredness of irritability is common
Feeling over-excited is common
Tingling, numb or cold fingers or toes is common
Depression is uncommon
Drowsiness or confusion is uncommon
A loss of interest in sex (libido) is uncommon
Ringing in the ears or difficulty in hearing is uncommon
Short-sightedness, which usually gets better when the dosage is reduced or the drug stopped, is uncommon
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

Symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst or tiredness
Unusual skin rashes
Pain in the joints
Lower-back pain
Pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
Difficulty passing urine
Blood in your urine
Stools that are pale in colour, or black and/or tarry
Blood in stools
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or the skin
Sore throat or fever
Bruises that cannot be accounted for by injury
Red or purple spots on the skin
Weak muscles
Having fits if these have not happened before
Any thoughts about killing yourself.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the UK you may report side-effects to the MHRA


ACETAZOLAMIDE OVERDOSE

If you take more acetazolamide tablets than you should, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital casualty department immediately.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of acetazolamide or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.


ACETAZOLAMIDE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking acetazolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sulphonamides; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist in case of:

Allergy (hypersensitivity) to acetazolamide, any of the other ingredients or sulphonamides
Low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalaemia)
Low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatraemia)
Severe kidney problems
Severe liver problems, including cirrhosis
A problem with the metabolism called hyperchloremic acidosis
Problems with the adrenal gland, such as Addison's disease (a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough of certain hormones called cortisol and aldosterone, with symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and darkened patches of skin)
Long-term use in an eye condition called chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma
Pregnancy or brest-feeding
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following:

Breathing problems, such as pulmonary obstruction and emphysema
Kidney problems, including a history of kidney stones
High levels of calcium (hypercalcaemia)
Dehydration
Diabetes
Gout
An eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

Alcohol does not affect this drug.
The elderly: acetazolamide should be used with caution in the elderly as they are more likely to have certain side effects.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

Acetazolamide is not safe to take if you are, or are planning to become, pregnant.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

Acetazolamide is not safe to take if you are breastfeeding.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.


ACETAZOLAMIDE WARNINGS

Acetazolamide should be used with caution in:

Patients with breathing problems, such as pulmonary obstruction and emphysema
Patients with kidney problems, including a history of kidney stones
Patients with high levels of calcium (hypercalcaemia)
Patients who are dehydrated
Patients with diabetes
Patients with gout
Patients with an eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma
Patients with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
It should not be used in:

Patients with an allergy (hypersensitivity) to acetazolamide, or any of the other ingredients, or to sulphonamides
Patients with low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalaemia)
Patients with low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatraemia)
Patients with severe kidney problems
Patients with severe liver problems, including cirrhosis
Patients with a problem with their metabolism called hyperchloremic acidosis
Patients with adrenal gland problems, such as Addison's disease (a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough of certain hormones called cortisol and aldosterone, with symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and darkened patches of skin)
Patients with an eye condition called chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma (long-term use)
Patients who are pregnant or who are breast-feeding
Also see list of precautions and interactions.

STORAGE

Store below 25°C and keep in the original package or container.