dichlorphenamide Health Article

Generic name(s):

dichlorphenamide

Brand name(s):

Daranide

What is the most important information I should know about dichlorphenamide?

Call your doctor immediately if you experience a sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, tingling or tremors in your hands or feet, pain in your side or groin, or a rash. These symptoms could be early signs of a serious side effect.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dichlorphenamide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Dichlorphenamide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What is dichlorphenamide?

Dichlorphenamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase is a protein in your body. Dichlorphenamide reduces the activity of this protein.

Dichlorphenamide is used to treat glaucoma. By inhibiting the actions of carbonic anhydrase, dichlorphenamide reduces the amount of fluid produced in your eyes and therefore also reduces pressure.

Dichlorphenamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dichlorphenamide?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based drug such as sulfamethoxazole (e.g., Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol). Dichlorphenamide is also a sulfa-based drug, and you may have a similar reaction to it.

Before taking dichlorphenamide, tell your doctor if you

• are on aspirin therapy,

• have liver disease,

• have kidney disease,

• have heart disease,

• have lung disease, or

• have a hormonal disease.

You may not be able to take dichlorphenamide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Dichlorphenamide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether dichlorphenamide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take dichlorphenamide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether dichlorphenamide passes into breast milk. Do not take dichlorphenamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take dichlorphenamide?

Take dichlorphenamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Store dichlorphenamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a dichlorphenamide overdose include drowsiness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness or tingling, shaking, and ringing in the ears.

What should I avoid while taking dichlorphenamide?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dichlorphenamide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Dichlorphenamide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.