Details

Acetazolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Acetazolamide decreases the pressure in the eye. Acetazolamide is also used to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms (upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue) of altitude (mountain) sickness. Acetazolamide is used with other medicines to reduce edema (excess fluid retention) and to help control seizures in certain types of epilepsy.

Typical Uses

Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, prescribed for glaucoma, edema due to congestive heart failure, epileptic seizure, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (i.e. Pseudotumor cerebri), cystinuria, periodic paralysis, central sleep apnoea and dural ecstasies. It is also used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude or acute mountain sickness and moderate to severe metabolic or respiratory alkalosis. This medication reduces the activity of carbonic anhydrase protein.

Side Effects

Acetazolamide may lead to dizziness, light-headedness, and an increased amount of urine may occur, especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, loss of appetite, stomach upset, headache and tiredness may also occur. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor at the earliest.

Drug Interactions

• Acetazolamide+aspirin- This combination can cause ringing in your ears, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid breathing, fever, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

• Acetazolamide+carisoprodol- This combination can cause ringing in your ears, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid breathing, fever, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

• Acetazolamide+amiodarone- Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious.

• Acetazolamide+dichlorphenamide- Both of these medications can cause metabolic acidosis, a condition associated with elevated levels of acid in the blood, and combining them may increase the risk as well as severity of the condition.

• Acetazolamide+levomethadyl acetate- Using levomethadyl acetate together with acetazolamide can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious.

Mechanism of action

Acetazolamide works by blocking an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase. It lowers the amount of fluid in the eye, reduces swelling in the legs, and allows the body to use oxygen better at high altitudes.

Pregnancy Category : C