Acetazolamide is utilized to stop minimizing the signs of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing that may occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). It is particularly beneficial in situations whenever you cannot make a slow ascent. The best ways to stop altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping all day and night during the climb to allow for one's body to adjust to the new height, and taking it simple the first 1 to 2 days.
This drug can be combined with other medications to treat a certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). Acetazolamide is really a "water pill" (diuretic). It decreases the amount of fluid that will increase inside the eye. It is additionally utilized to decrease a growth of body fluids (edema) a result of congestive heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide could work less approximately time, so it will be usually used simply for a brief period.
It been specifically used with other medications to treat some kinds of seizures (petit mal and unlocalized seizures).
If you take the tablets, take medicines by mouth, usually 1 to 4x daily or as directed by your doctor. If you take the long-acting capsules, take this medication 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 might increase negative effects.
Acetazolamide could be taken with or without food. Drink lots of fluids unless otherwise directed because of your doctor. Your dosage is founded on your medical condition and reaction to therapy.
To prevent altitude sickness, begin acetazolamide 1 to 2 days prior to starting to climb. Continue taking it when you are climbing as well as for at the very least a couple of days once you've reached one further altitude. You ought to continue taking this medication while staying in the high altitude to regulate your symptoms. If you develop severe altitude sickness, it is vital that you climb down as fast as possible. Acetazolamide won't help you avoid the serious results of severe altitude sickness. (See also Precautions.)
If you're taking this drug for the next condition (e.g., glaucoma, seizures), use this medication regularly as given to obtain the most benefit from it. To allow you to remember, take it as well(s) daily. Taking your last dose in the early evening can help stop you from needing to get up within the middle with the night to urinate. Consult a medical expert or pharmacist if you have questions on your dosing schedule.
Do not increase or lower your dose or stop using medicines without first consulting a medical expert. Some conditions can become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose might need to be gradually decreased.
When employed for a long period, prescription drugs might not exactly be well and may require different dosing. Your doctor will probably be monitoring your condition. Tell your doctor if your trouble does not improve or whether or not this worsens (e.g., more frequent seizures).
This drug may decrease the potassium levels within your blood. Your doctor may advise that you consume foods rich in potassium (e.g., bananas or orange juice) while you're taking medicines. Your doctor could also suggest a potassium supplement so that you can take during treatment. Consult your physician to learn more.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or increased urination may occur, especially throughout the initial few days as your body adjusts on the medication. Blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, decrease of appetite, stomach upset, headache and tiredness can also occur. If all of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify a medical expert or pharmacist.
Remember that your medical professional has prescribed this medication as he or she's got judged that the profit to you is in excess of potential risk of unwanted side effects. Many people using this medication don't have serious unwanted effects.
Tell your doctor straight away if any of these most unlikely but serious negative effects occur: increased body hair, hearing loss, ringing within the ears, unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
Seek immediate medical assistance if all of these unlikely but grave unwanted side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, fast/irregular heartbeat, indications of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, difficulty concentrating), severe muscle cramps/pain, tingling in the hands/feet, blood inside the urine, dark urine, painful urination, yellowing with the eyes/skin.
A very serious hypersensitivity to the drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention whether or not this occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic attack can include: blisters/sores within the mouth, rash, itching/swelling (especially with the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete report on possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your physician or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your medical professional for medical health advice about side effects. You may report negative effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call a medical expert for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report unwanted effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking acetazolamide, tell your medical professional or pharmacist in case you are allergic for it; or for those who have any other allergies. This product might have inactive ingredients, which can cause allergy symptoms or any other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for additional information.
This medication shouldn't be used for those who have certain health concerns. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist in case you have: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), low blood levels of sodium or potassium, severe kidney disease, severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), certain metabolic problems (e.g., hyperchloremic acidosis).
Before using prescription drugs, tell your medical professional or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis), high numbers 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 may include: severe lack of breath, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, difficulty concentrating), not enough coordination/staggering walk, extreme tiredness, severe headache.
If you develop any of these symptoms, it's very important that you simply descend to your lower altitude as fast as possible to avoid serious, possibly fatal problems.
This drug might make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your eyesight. Alcohol or marijuana could make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do just about anything that really needs alertness or clear vision before you are able to do it safely. Limit alcohol based drinks. Talk to your doctor in case you are using marijuana.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get out of bed slowly when rising from your seated or lying position.
This drug may rarely help make your blood sugar levels rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your physician right away when you have signs of high blood glucose including increased thirst/urination.
If you have diabetes, look at the blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your medical professional. This medication may also reduce your blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood glucose levels include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling hands/feet. It is often a good habit to hold glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood glucose levels. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly lift up your blood sugar by eating a quick method to obtain sugar like white sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda. Tell your physician right away about the reaction and also the usage of the product. To help prevent low blood sugar levels, eat meals with a regular schedule, , nor skip meals.
This medication might make you more sensitive towards the sun. Limit your time and efforts inside the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your medical professional straight away when you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
This medication really should not be employed in children under 12 because it may affect normal growth.
This medication ought to be used with caution inside elderly since they might be more understanding of its negative effects, especially low potassium or sodium levels.
This medication must be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your medical professional.
This medication passes into breast milk but isn't likely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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