Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Description

Diamox (Acetazolamide) is a medication used to help with problems caused by too much fluid or pressure in the body. It works as a diuretic, which means it helps you get rid of extra fluid by making you urinate more. Diamox helps block a specific enzyme in the body, which leads to more bicarbonate, sodium, water, and potassium being removed. People commonly use it for treating glaucoma (an eye condition), preventing altitude sickness (when you feel sick at high elevations), and managing conditions like heart failure and some types of epilepsy (seizures).

Directions

When taking Diamox, it's important to follow the dosage and instructions given by your healthcare provider. The appropriate Diamox dosage usually depends on what condition you're treating and how your body responds to the medication. For adults, if you're taking it for glaucoma, the typical dose is between 250 mg and 1 gram per day, divided into smaller doses. If you're using it to prevent altitude sickness, you might take 500 mg to 1000 mg daily in divided doses.

Make sure to swallow Diamox tablets whole and don’t crush or chew them, as this helps the medicine work properly. It's also best to take it with food to avoid stomach upset and to drink plenty of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Diamox is Acetazolamide.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Known hypersensitivity to Acetazolamide, any ingredients in its formulation, or sulfonamides. There is a risk of cross-sensitivity among these medications
• Conditions such as low blood sodium (hyponatremia) or low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
• Severe kidney or liver problems, including cirrhosis
• Conditions like adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison's disease)
• Chronic non congestive angle-closure glaucoma
• Hyperchloremic acidosis

Cautions

• Before starting treatment with Diamox, make sure to inform your healthcare provider if you have:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Diamox can cause serious reactions, so it's crucial to stop using it right away if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction or severe side effects. Some rare but serious conditions you should be aware of include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and anaphylaxis.
• If you are taking high-dose aspirin along with Diamox, be careful. This combination can lead to serious problems like loss of appetite, fast breathing, a buildup of acid in your body, and even life-threatening situations. Make sure to use it cautiously and keep a close eye on how you feel.
• Diamox may also cause low sodium (hyponatremia), low potassium (hypokalemia), and metabolic acidosis (an imbalance in your body’s acid-base levels). It’s a good idea to have your blood checked regularly, especially if you have kidney issues, diabetes, or conditions that make you more likely to have these imbalances.
• After eye surgery, there have been reports of choroidal effusion (fluid buildup) and detachment. If you think this might be happening, stop taking Diamox.
• In rare cases, Diamox can cause serious blood-related side effects, such as aplastic anemia (a condition where your body doesn’t make enough blood cells) and agranulocytosis (a dangerously low level of white blood cells). Because of this risk, it’s recommended to have your blood counted periodically while on this medication.
• This medication can change your blood sugar levels, which may lead to high or low blood sugar. If you have diabetes or trouble managing your blood sugar, it's important to monitor your levels closely.
• Animal studies have shown that Diamox can cause birth defects. If you are pregnant, only use this medication if the benefits outweigh the risks for you and your baby.
• Diamox can also pass into breast milk and might harm nursing infants. Use it only if the advantages outweigh the potential risks.
• This medication is not safe for children. Long-term use has been linked to growth problems due to chronic acidosis.
• Older adults with reduced kidney function should be cautious with Diamox, as they are at greater risk for severe metabolic acidosis. If you're an older adult, starting with a lower dose and closely monitoring kidney function is essential.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Diamox include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness. Some individuals may experience a tingling sensation in the extremities or face (paresthesia) and loss of appetite. While these side effects are typically mild, notify your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.

Diamox can cause more serious side effects such as allergic skin reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, blood disorders like aplastic anemia or thrombocytopenia, and liver or kidney issues, including abnormal liver function and nephrolithiasis. Eye-related effects, such as transient myopia or choroidal detachment, may also occur. If you experience severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, confusion, severe rash, or changes in vision, seek immediate medical attention.

References:

1. Diamox (Acetazolamide) Product Monograph. Parsippany, NJ: Teva Pharmaceuticals; 2024.
2. Diamox (Acetazolamide) Drug Label Information. Hawthorne, NY: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.; 2015.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....