acetazolamide Health Article

What are the possible side effects of acetazolamide?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetazolamide and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• a sore throat or a fever;

• unusual bleeding or bruising;

• side or groin pain;

• tingling or tremors in your hands or feet; or

• a rash.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take acetazolamide and talk to your doctor if you experience

• decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or changes in taste;

• drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, or weakness;

• nervousness or mild tremor;

• headache or confusion;

• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight;

• worsening gout;

• loss of blood sugar control (if you are diabetic);

• ringing in your ears or hearing problems; or

• changes in your vision.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect acetazolamide?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Cyclosporine may have more side effects if it is taken with acetazolamide.

• primidone (Mysoline). Primidone may not be as effective if it is taken with acetazolamide, and seizure control may be reduced.

• diflunisal (Dolobid). Diflunisal may increase both the activity and the side effects of acetazolamide.

• aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salflex, Salsitab, others), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Magan, Mobidin), and other aspirin-like products (salicylates). These medicines may also interact with acetazolamide, and special monitoring of your therapy may be necessary.

• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others). Acetazolamide may decrease the level of lithium in your blood. Special monitoring or a dosage adjustment may be necessary.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetazolamide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about acetazolamide written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Acetazolamide is available with a prescription generically and under the brand name Diamox . Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Diamox 125 mg--round, white, scored tablets

• Diamox 250 mg--round, white, scored tablets

• Diamox Sequels 500 mg (Sustained Release)--orange capsules

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.