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Diamox Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Acetazolamide

ACETAZOLAMIDE (Diamox®) is used in the treatment of glaucoma (excessive pressure in the eyes), epilepsy (for both brief and unlocalized seizures), and fluid retention due to congestive heart failure or drugs. It is also used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of acute mountain sickness in climbers attempting a rapid climb and those who feel sick even though they are making a gradual climb.

Diamox Dosage

• The usual dosage of Diamox Sequels is 1 capsule (500 milligrams) twice a day and you should take this medicine usually in the morning and evening.
• For the treatment of Epilepsy, the daily dosage is 8 to 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight in 2 or more doses.
• For the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure, the usual starting dosage to reduce fluid retention in people with congestive heart failure is 250 milligrams to 375 milligrams per day.

Uses of Diamox

• ACETAZOLAMIDE is used for certain seizure disorders, glaucoma or altitude sickness.
• It is also used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
• It may also used for other medical conditions those are listed in the medication guide.

Side Effects of Diamox

If you are using Diamox, then discuss the side effects of Diamox with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Side effects may include:

• Change in taste
• diarrhea
• increase in amount or frequency of urination
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• ringing in the ears
• tingling or pins and needles in hands or feet
• vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Diamox:

• If you have emphysema or other breathing disorders, then you should use this drug with caution.
• You should tell your doctor medical history especially if you have low sodium or potassium blood levels, adrenal gland problems, lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, any allergies.
• You should use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery if this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy.
• Be careful about taking high doses of aspirin if you are also taking Diamox. Because effects of this combination may lead to loss of appetite, sluggishness, and rapid breathing to unresponsiveness.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Diamox, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Diamox. Discuss with your doctor before combining Diamox with the following:

• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
• Lithium (Lithonate)
• Methenamine (Urex)
• Quinidine (Quinidex)

Overdose

There is no specific information available on Diamox overdose. But after taking Diamox, if you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.