Anticonvulsant, Miscellaneous; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor; Diuretic, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor; Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma
• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
• If you have an allergy to acetazolamide or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you have a sulfonamide ("sulfa") allergy, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Acidic blood condition, kidney disease, liver disease, low potassium levels, low sodium levels, lung disease, or poor adrenal function.
• Acetazolamide gets rid of extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys.
• It calms the brain.
• It shortens the time it takes to get used to the high altitude.
• It lowers pressure in the eye.
• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• If you are using this medicine for glaucoma, have eye pressure checked regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Follow directions for storage of liquid (suspension). Talk with healthcare provider.
Created: 2005-04-07 16:15:08.0
Modified: 2010-03-09 08:25:58.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid.
• This medicine is used to prevent altitude sickness.
• This medicine is used to prevent or control seizures.
• This medicine is used to treat glaucoma.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
• This medicine has little effect on symptoms of altitude sickness once they occur.
• Follow laws about driving with a seizure condition.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Diarrhea.
• Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Sudden change in vision, eye pain, or irritation.
• If seizures are worse or different after starting medicine.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
