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Generic name: |
acetazolamide |
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Concentration: |
125mg, 250mg, 500mg (sustained release) |
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Mechanism of action: |
This is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which helps reduce pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) by decreasing fluid (aqueous humor) production. |
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Indications: |
Treatment of open angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and acute angle-closure glaucoma. |
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Dosage: |
Take by mouth one 125mg or 250 mg 1 to 4 times per day as directed by your doctor. For the 500mg Diamox Sequels, take one capsule by mouth twice per day. |
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Use with caution in patients with/during: |
- Asthma or chronic pulmonary disease (COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, respiratory acidosis).
- Diabetes mellitis because it can increase blood glucose levels.
- Renal or liver impairment.
- Gout.
- Taking high doses of asprin.
- Sulfonamide hypersensitivity.
- Underactive adrenal glands.
- Low potassium or sodium levels.
- Sulfonamide hypersensitivity.
- Pregnancy, breast feeding or in children.
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Side effects: |
Common
- Loss of appetite
- Metallic taste
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Tingling sensation in hands or feet or mouth area
- Hearing disturbness
- Ringing in the ears
Life Threatening Symptoms
- Convulsions
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Unusual bleeding
- Severe skin rash or eruptions
- Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin or eyes)
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Less Common to Rare
- Bone marrow suppression
- Jaundice (shows up as yellowish eyes or skin) with prolonged use
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Blood dyscrasias (abnormal synthesis of different components of the blood)
- Confusion
- Blood in urine; discolored urine
- Drowsiness
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Lower back pain
- Numbness, tingling, or burning feeling inthe mouth, tongue, or lips
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Notes: |
Acetazolamide is a sulfonamide and has may cause a severe allergic reaction in patients with a sulfa drug allergy. |
