Acetazolamide
About Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide belongs to a group of medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used to treat glaucoma, oedema (fluid retention), epilepsy, and to treat and prevent altitude/mountain sickness. Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system due to disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain. Fluid retention is a condition in which fluids are accumulated in the body tissues.
Acetazolamide contains ‘acetazolamide’, which inhibits carbonic anhydrase enzyme. This inhibitory action decreases the secretion of aqueous humour, thereby lowers intraocular pressure. Acetazolamide inhibits the carbonic anhydrase enzyme; this helps retard abnormal, excessive discharge from central nervous system neurons, thereby helps treat certain dysfunctions of the central nervous system such as epilepsy. Acetazolamide reduces the activity of carbonic anhydrase, thereby helps lower fluid retention.
You are advised to take Acetazolamide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and increased urination. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Avoid taking Acetazolamide if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Acetazolamide is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Acetazolamide might cause dizziness and drowsiness; so, drive only if you are alert. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Acetazolamide
Medicinal Benefits
Acetazolamide belongs to a group of medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used to treat glaucoma, oedema (fluid retention), epilepsy, and to treat and prevent altitude/mountain sickness. Acetazolamide works by inhibiting the carbonic anhydrase enzyme. This inhibitory action decreases the secretion of aqueous humour, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. Acetazolamide inhibits the carbonic anhydrase enzyme; this helps retard abnormal, excessive discharge from central nervous system neurons, thereby helps treat certain dysfunctions of the central nervous system, such as epilepsy. Acetazolamide reduces the activity of carbonic anhydrase, thereby helping lower fluid retention. Acetazolamide may also be used to treat muscle weakness/periodic paralysis and to lower the increased pressure in the areas surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Acetazolamide
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Increased urination
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
Drug Warnings
Do not take Acetazolamide if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have severe kidney/liver problems, chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma, Addison’s disease, if you have low sodium and/or potassium levels or high chlorine levels. Inform your doctor if you have lung problems, kidney stones, electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland problems, diabetes, or heart problems. Avoid taking Acetazolamide if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Acetazolamide is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Acetazolamide might cause dizziness and drowsiness; so, drive only if you are alert. Acetazolamide might make your skin sensitive to sunlight; therefore, wear protective clothing and sunscreen whilst going out.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Acetazolamide may have interaction with cardiac glycoside (digoxin), blood thinner (warfarin), anti-diabetic (metformin, gliclazide), anti-convulsant (phenytoin, primidone, carbamazepine, topiramate), steroid (prednisolone), anti-glaucoma agents (dorzolamide, brinzolamide), anti-arrhythmic (quinidine), anti-maniac (lithium), immunosuppressant (ciclosporin), alkalinizing agent (sodium bicarbonate), and anti-hypertensive medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have severe kidney/liver problems, chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma, Addison’s disease, low sodium and/or potassium levels, or high chlorine levels.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid or limit alcohol consumption as it might lead to increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeAcetazolamide belongs to pregnancy category C. Avoid using Acetazolamide if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide if Acetazolamide can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionAcetazolamide might cause dizziness and drowsiness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Avoid taking Acetazolamide if you have severe liver problems. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Acetazolamide in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Avoid taking Acetazolamide if you have/had severe kidney problems. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Acetazolamide in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
unsafeAcetazolamide is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
GLAUCOMA:
Avoid intake of baked foods such as cakes, cookies, doughnuts or fried items such as French fries and stick margarine as these foods may worsen glaucoma and damage the optic nerve.
Limit coffee intake as it may increase pressure in the eye. Replace coffee with green tea.
Avoid exercises such as any position where the head is lower than the body, like an inverted yoga pose, as it may increase pressure in the eye. Doing selective exercises is advised for glaucoma patients.
EPILEPSY:
Exercising regularly helps in maintaining weight and improving overall health.
Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
Have a seizure response plan to help those around you know what to do.
Prepare your living area; small changes may help reduce the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
Understand what triggers seizures and try reducing or avoiding them.
Please pay attention to overall health, as it can help reduce seizure activity.
Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.
FLUID RETENTION:
Limit salt intake.
Consume foods rich in magnesium, such as nuts, dark chocolate, whole grains, and leafy vegetables.
Include foods rich in vitamin B6, such as potatoes, bananas, meat, and walnuts.
Potassium reduces water retention, therefore, include potassium-rich foods such as avocados, tomatoes, and bananas.
Avoid refined carbohydrates.
Walking can help reduce fluid retention.
Special Advise
If you are due to have any surgery, inform the doctor/surgeon that you are taking Acetazolamide.
Your doctor may advise frequent blood tests whilst taking Acetazolamide.
Regular monitoring of serum electrolyte levels is advised.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you have thoughts of harming or killing yourself.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Glaucoma: It is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. If it is not treated in time, it may cause blindness. Usually, there are no symptoms for glaucoma initially, except the slow loss of vision gradually. However, some symptoms include visible rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights or blurred vision. Rarely, glaucoma can develop suddenly with intense pain in the eye, visual disturbance or nausea.
Epilepsy/Seizures: Seizures, also known as fits or convulsions, are a single occurrence of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, whereas epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Symptoms include mood changes, anxiousness, nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, muscle jerking, spasms, loss of balance, teeth clenching, rapid blinking or eye movements, biting the tongue, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Fluid retention/oedema: It is a condition in which fluids are accumulated in the body tissues. Symptoms include bloating, weight fluctuations, puffiness of the face, abdomen, and hips, and swollen legs, ankles, and feet.
FAQs
Acetazolamide used to treat glaucoma, oedema (fluid retention), epilepsy, and to treat and prevent altitude/mountain sickness.
Acetazolamide is used as an adjunct in the treatment of epilepsy. It inhibits the carbonic anhydrase enzyme; this helps retard abnormal, excessive discharge from central nervous system neurons, thereby helps treat seizures.
Acetazolamide promotes diuresis of abnormal fluid retention due to congestive heart failure. Fluid retention or oedema is the accumulation of fluid in the body tissues.
Acetazolamide helps reduce the severity and duration of symptoms of altitude/mountain sickness, such as headache, stomach upset, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Acetazolamide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Acetazolamide.
Acetazolamide might make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid unnecessary and prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses whilst going out.
Acetazolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase enzyme. This inhibitory action decreases the secretion of aqueous humour, thereby lowering intraocular pressure and helping treat glaucoma.
Yes, you can take Acetazolamide after cataract surgery if it is prescribed by your eye doctor. Acetazolamide is sometimes used prophylactically to prevent increased intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery. So, if your doctor recommends it, it's safe to use as directed.
The common side effects of Acetazolamide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and increased urination. Most of these side effects are mild and temporary, and they often resolve on their own without requiring medical attention. However, if the side effects persist or worsen over time, it's important to consult your doctor.
Acetazolamide works by inhibiting the carbonic anhydrase enzyme, which has several effects on the body. It decreases aqueous humor secretion, lowers intraocular pressure, and treats glaucoma. It also reduces abnormal neuron discharge in the central nervous system, helping treat epilepsy. Additionally, it decreases fluid retention by reducing carbonic anhydrase activity, making it effective in treating oedema.
Certain individuals may not take Acetazolamide, including those with end-stage kidney or liver problems, eye conditions, electrolyte imbalances, and allergies to any components present in Acetazolamide. Additionally, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, it's essential to discuss your options with your doctor. They will help you make an informed decision and ensure your safety. Before starting Acetazolamide, sharing your medical history with your doctor is crucial to ensure it's safe for you.
Acetazolamide is effective when used as directed by your doctor. It's used to treat glaucoma, fluid retention (oedema), epilepsy (seizures), and mountain sickness. While it's effective, you may experience common side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and increased urination. Most of these side effects are mild and temporary, but if they persist or worsen, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Be sure to consult your doctor before using Acetazolamide! It is important to follow their advice and complete the treatment course as recommended. Stopping suddenly or prematurely may lead to decreased effectiveness or other issues. Your doctor will help you determine when it's safe to stop using Acetazolamide. Consult them before making any changes to your treatment.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
