Acetazolamide is used to avoid reducing the the signs of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing that will occur whenever you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). It is particularly useful in situations if you cannot make a slow ascent. The best ways to avoid altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping all day and night in the climb to permit the body to adjust to the modern height, and taking simple to use the initial 1 to 2 days.
This drug is additionally used with other medications to deal with a specific kind of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). Acetazolamide is often a "water pill" (diuretic). It decreases the amount of fluid that may develop inside the eye. It is additionally accustomed to decrease a buildup of body fluids (edema) due to congestive heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide perform less approximately time, therefore it is usually used just for a short period.
It been specifically combined with other medications to treat some kinds of seizures (petit mal and unlocalized seizures).
If you are taking the tablets, take medicines by mouth, usually 1 to four times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you adopt the long-acting capsules, take prescription drugs by mouth, usually one or two times daily or as directed through your doctor. Swallow the long-acting capsules whole. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action with the drug and may increase side effects.
Acetazolamide could possibly be taken with or without food. Drink a lot of fluids unless otherwise directed through your doctor. Your dosage is dependant on your condition and response to therapy.
To prevent altitude sickness, begin taking acetazolamide 1 to 2 days before you begin to climb. Continue taking it if you are climbing and then for a minimum of two days after you have reached any altitude. You might need to continue taking medicines while staying in the high altitude to manipulate your symptoms. If you develop severe altitude sickness, it is vital that you climb down immediately. Acetazolamide won't help you avoid the serious results of severe altitude sickness. (See also Precautions.)
If you take this drug for another condition (e.g., glaucoma, seizures), use this medication regularly as given to make the most benefit from it. To help you remember, go on it as well(s) every day. Taking your last dose inside early evening will help keep you from the need to wake up within the middle of the night to urinate. Consult a medical expert or pharmacist for those who have queries about your dosing schedule.
Do not increase or lower your dose or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions can be worse once this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose might need to be gradually decreased.
When used by a long period, prescription drugs may not act as well and could require different dosing. Your doctor will likely be monitoring your problem. Tell your medical professional if your problem does not improve or whether it worsens (e.g., more frequent seizures).
This drug may decrease the potassium levels inside your blood. Your doctor may advice that you eat foods full of potassium (e.g., bananas or orange juice) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor might also advise a potassium supplement so that you can take during treatment. Consult your doctor to learn more.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or increased urination may occur, especially in the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, loss of appetite, stomach upset, headache and tiredness might also occur. If all of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist.
Remember that a medical expert has prescribed this medication because he or she's got judged how the profit to you is greater than the potential risk of side effects. Many people using medicines don't have serious side effects.
Tell your physician straight away if any of these very unlikely but serious unwanted effects occur: increased body hair, hearing problems, ringing inside ears, unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
Seek immediate medical attention if all of these unlikely but serious unwanted effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, fast/irregular heartbeat, signs and symptoms of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, difficulty concentrating), severe muscle cramps/pain, tingling from the hands/feet, blood inside the urine, dark urine, painful urination, yellowing from the eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic attack to the drug is not likely, but seek immediate medical help whether it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction can include: blisters/sores within the mouth, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete listing of possible negative effects. If you notice other effects unlisted above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your medical professional for medical health advice about negative effects. You may report negative effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about negative effects. You may report unwanted side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking acetazolamide, tell a medical expert or pharmacist in case you are allergic for it; or in case you have another allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which may cause allergies and other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used for those who have certain health concerns. Before using this medicine, consult your medical professional or pharmacist if you have: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), low blood amounts of sodium or potassium, severe kidney disease, severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), certain metabolic problems (e.g., hyperchloremic acidosis).
Before using medicines, tell your physician or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis), high degrees of calcium, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, gout, narrow-angle glaucoma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
While prescription drugs will help you get employed to high altitudes and help you tolerate quick climbs, it cannot completely prevent serious altitude sickness. Symptoms of serious altitude sickness can include: severe lack of breath, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, difficulty concentrating), insufficient coordination/staggering walk, extreme tiredness, severe headache.
If you develop all of these symptoms, it is crucial that you simply descend to your lower altitude as quickly as possible to avoid serious, possibly fatal problems.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your eyesight. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do just about anything that has to have alertness or clear vision and soon you are able to do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you're using marijuana.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
This drug may rarely build your blood glucose levels rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell a medical expert immediately in case you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination.
If you have diabetes, look at the blood glucose regularly as directed and share the outcome with a medical expert. This medication can also decrease your blood glucose levels. Symptoms of low blood glucose levels include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling hands/feet. It can be a good habit to transport glucose tablets or gel to take care of low blood glucose. If you don't have these reliable types of glucose, rapidly lift up your blood sugar levels by consuming a fast supply of sugar like white sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction along with the using this device. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and never skip meals.
This medication will make you more sensitive on the sun. Limit your time within the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell a medical expert straight away if you achieve sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
This medication mustn't be employed in children less than 12 as it may affect normal growth.
This medication should be combined with caution inside the elderly since they could be more understanding of its negative effects, especially low potassium or sodium levels.
This medication must be used in pregnancy as long as clearly needed. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your medical professional.
This medication passes into breast milk but is not likely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your physician before breast-feeding.
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