Acetazolamide is used in the treatment of increased pressure in the eyeball (glaucoma), fluid retention and swelling (edema), certain types of seizures, and altitude sickness.
Acetazolamide inhibits the activity of an enzyme (proteins that control the rate of certain activities in the body) called carbonic anhydrase in your kidney.
This causes excess fluid to be passed as urine to reduce fluid retention and swelling.
Interruption of this protein in the eye reduces the production of eye fluid (aqueous humor) and reduces pressure in the eye associated with glaucoma.
You may experience:
Bleeding easily
Dizziness
Impaired hearing
Loss of appetite
Suicidal behavior may be observed when taking acetazolamide for seizures.
You should inform your pharmacist or doctor if any of these side effects are experienced.
Your doctor will request regular laboratory tests if you are taking acetazolamide for the long term.
You can eat normally when taking acetazolamide.
Alcohol can increase the drowsy effects associated with acetazolamide.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist before you are take aspirin and acetazolamide.
If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.
If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.
If you feel dizzy, numb, or have blurry vision (transient myopia) while taking acetazolamide, don’t drive or use machinery.
Transient myopia is uncommon and subsides after you stop taking acetazolamide.
If you are taking any treatments for epilepsy, you shouldn’t drive. Talk to your doctor about this.
Acetazolamide hasn’t been shown to affect sexual performance or contraceptives.
Acetazolamide rarely reduces sex drive. Acetazolamide is not known to affect fertility.
Acetazolamide is toxic to your unborn baby. You should avoid this medication during pregnancy, especially during the first three months.
The amount of acetazolamide in breast milk is small and unlikely to harm your baby. You should, however, observe your baby for any unhealthy signs.
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