Drug Info:
Acetazolamide injection
To return to the main entry click here.
What is acetazolamide injection?
ACETAZOLAMIDE (Diamox®) helps to treat glaucoma, certain types of epilepsy or seizure disorders. It can also help mountain climbers who get altitude or mountain sickness. Generic acetazolamide injections are not yet available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• Addison's disease (underactive adrenal gland)
• blood disorders or disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low levels of sodium or potassium in the blood
• lung disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetazolamide, sulfonamides, thiazide diuretics (water pills) other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Acetazolamide is for injection into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.What drug(s) may interact with acetazolamide?
• amphotericin B• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• carbamazepine
• ciprofloxacin
• dextroamphetamine
• ephedrine
• lithium
• mecamylamine
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• methenamine
• mexiletine
• phenytoin
• quinidine
• steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
• water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking acetazolamide?
Ask your prescriber or health care professional about your potassium level. It is important not to have too little or too much potassium. You may need to take a potassium supplement or eat foods that are high in potassium if acetazolamide is making your body lose too much potassium.You may get drowsy; until you know how acetazolamide affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney problems.
If you are diabetic, monitor blood and urine sugar and ketones regularly. Acetazolamide can increase sugar levels. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any changes.
What side effects may I notice from receiving acetazolamide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• blood in urine, pain or difficulty passing urine
• black tarry stools
• confusion or mental depression
• dark yellow or brown urine, pale stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• dry mouth or increased thirst
• fatigue or severe lack of energy
• fever, sore throat
• lower back pain
• muscle weakness
• ringing in the ears
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, itching
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• changes in taste or smell (metallic taste in mouth, loss of taste and smell)
• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• headache
• increased sensitivity of eyes to light
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, fingers, feet, toes, mouth, lips, tongue, or anus
• passing urine more often
• weight loss
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.After the powder is dissolved use injection solution within 24 hours, or within one week if refrigerated. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
