Acetazolamide
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
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Acetazolamide 250mg Tablets
Manufactured by Apotex Incorporated
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Acetazolamide Prescription Drug Information
Acetazolamide (By mouth)
Acetazolamide (a-seet-a-ZOLE-a-mide)
Treats glaucoma, certain types of epilepsy, mountain sickness, and other conditions. Belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Brand Name(s):Diamox Sequels
There may be other brand names for Acetazolamide.
When Acetazolamide Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Acetazolamide if you have had an allergic reaction to acetazolamide or related medicine such as methazolamide (Neptazane®) or dichlorphenamide (Daranide®).
How to Use Acetazolamide:
Tablet, Long Acting Capsule
- Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.
- Use Acetazolamide exactly as your doctor ordered.
- May be taken with or without food.
- Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open.
- You will need to go to the bathroom more often while you are taking Acetazolamide. To keep from having to go too often during the night, take Acetazolamide in the morning. If you use more than 1 dose a day, take your last dose before 6 p.m. (unless your doctor tells you differently).
If a dose of Acetazolamide is missed:
- Use the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use your medicine and skip the missed dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of Acetazolamide:
- Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Acetazolamide:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking aspirin, amphetamines (Dexedrine®), quinidine, or methenamine (Mandelamine®).
Warnings While Using Acetazolamide:
- Check with your doctor before taking if you have lung, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, gout, or a poorly working adrenal gland (Addison's disease).
- Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you use acetazolamide for seizures, do not stop taking Acetazolamide suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.
- Acetazolamide can make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.
- You may need to eat or drink foods containing potassium, such as citrus juices, oranges, or bananas, to prevent potassium loss while taking Acetazolamide - check with your doctor.
- Acetazolamide may increase the level of sugar in your blood or urine, which can worsen diabetes.
Possible Side Effects While Using Acetazolamide:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Painful urination
- Bloody stools or urine
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Pain in joints or lower back
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Acetazolamide, talk with your doctor:
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness
- Frequent urination
- Appetite loss or a metallic taste in mouth
- Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or mouth
- Vision changes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Acetazolamide, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
