Acetazolamide

• Glaucoma: a condition of the eye where the pressure in the eye increases
• Abnormal retention of fluid in the body

When should one not use Acetazolamide

• You are allergic to this or any sulphonamide derivatives
• Low sodium or potassium blood serum levels
• Also, do not use in a particular type of glaucoma (chronic noncongestive angle-closure glaucoma)
• Severe kidney or liver disease

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
• Increased urination
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness
• Confusion and visual disturbances
• Tingling in legs
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Blood in urine or stools
• Itching, hives, rash; yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Convulsions
• Liver complaints ( loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, dark urine, jaundice)
• Kidney stone

Other General Warnings

• Your age is above 60-65
• You have any lung problems such as Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema, which cause difficulty in breathing
• You have or ever had kidney stones or any kidney-related problems

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Medicines for your heart such as Cardiac Glycosides like Digoxin
• Medications to reduce blood pressure
• Medicines to thin your blood
• Medicines to lower the sugar in your blood
• Medicines for epilepsy or fits
• Steroids such as Prednisolone
• Aspirin and related medicines like Salicylic Acid or Choline Salicylate used for mouth ulcers
• Other in the group of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like Dorzolamide or Brinzolamide which are also used to treat glaucoma

• Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.

Overdose

Missed a Dose