Diamox

The active ingredient in Diamox is acetazolamide. Diamox is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that alters the fluid and acid-base balance in your body which enables your body to use oxygen more efficiently at high altitudes, which helps prevent altitude sickness.

Diamox is a diuretic that eliminates excess water and electrolytes from the body and excretes them in the urine to aid with edema caused by medicine side effects or congestive heart failure. To treat glaucoma, the drug also decreases the volume of fluid in your eyes to reduce your intraocular pressure.

Diamox seems to aid with seizures by calming your nervous system, though this is unknown.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Diamox. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Diamox:

• The disease you are treating will determine how much of this medication you need to take. Pay close attention to your doctor's dosage recommendations.
• Drink a full glass of water before taking this medication.
• Diamox might simply be one component of an all-encompassing treatment plan that also includes other drugs. Pay strict attention to your doctor's recommendations.

The most common side effects of Diamox include:

• Tiredness or drowsiness.
• Headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Blurred vision.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Urinating more often.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Tingling or numbness.
• Shortness of breath or low blood cells.
• High or low blood sugar levels.
• Yellowing of eyes or skin.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Diamox. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• A serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis: hives, skin reactions, skin that peels or blisters, shortness of breath, and swelling of your face, tongue, or throat.
• Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, chills, cough, diarrhea, itching, skin lesions, and joint or muscle pain.
• Acid-base imbalance or electrolyte imbalance, including low sodium and potassium levels (hypokalemia): nausea, cramping in the muscles, fatigue, weakness, fast breathing, or disorientation.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Diamox. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Diamox, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if any of the following apply to you:

• Kidney disease or kidney stones.
• Liver problems, including cirrhosis or severe liver disease.
• Electrolyte imbalances.
• Adrenal gland problems.
• A sulfa drug allergy.
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Take daily high-dose aspirin.
• Metabolic acidosis.

Certain medical disorders or circumstances are known as contraindications, and they raise safety concerns about a medication's use. It is not safe for you to take acetazolamide, therefore let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you.

• Low sodium concentrations, or hyponatremia.
• Low potassium (hypokalaemia) levels.
• Severe kidney issues.
• Liver cirrhosis or severe liver issues.
• Adrenal gland failure.
• An excessive amount of acid in the body known as hyperchloremic acidosis.
• Long-term usage in patients suffering from persistent angle-closure glaucoma

It takes a few days to see the full effect of Diamox so do not stop taking the medication if you do not see results after one day.

When Diamox is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Methenamine
• Amphetamine
• Lithium
• Primidone
• Quinidine
• Cyclosporine
• Phenytoin
• Certain antibiotics
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Amphetamines
• Salicylates

Typical dosage forms and doses of Diamox include:

Immediate-Release Tablet

Altitude sickness: 500–1,000 mg daily, split into smaller dosages. Begin one to two days before your high-altitude journey.

Glaucoma: Depending on the type of glaucoma, 250–1,000 mg daily, split into smaller amounts.

Edema: depending on the reason for the fluid retention, 250–375 mg once daily, or occasionally every other day.

Epilepsy: 250–1,000 mg daily, split into lower amounts.

Extended-Release Capsule

Elevation Sickness: 500–1,000 mg daily, split into lower doses, beginning one to two days before high altitude ascent.

Glaucoma: 500 mg in the morning and evening.

Additionally, acetazolamide can be administered intravenously (IV) by a medical professional.

When you remember to take the missed dose, do so. If your next planned dose is almost near, skip the missed one. Never take more medication to make up for a missed dosage.

Keep out of the heat and moisture and store at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly closed and keep it out of reach of children.

Zydus Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Diamox.

There are several lower-cost generics available of Diamox with the active ingredient of acetazolamide.

Do not abruptly discontinue using Diamox without first consulting your healthcare provider. If you abruptly stop taking the medication, your condition may worsen. Before quitting entirely, your doctor could advise you to gradually cut back on your usage.

Consult your healthcare provider about taking Diamox if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Studies on the use of Diamox in pregnant women are insufficient. However, research on animals suggests that the drug may be harmful to your unborn baby.

It is not known if Diamox passes into breast milk and what effects it may have on your infant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.