Acetazolamide is used to avoid reducing the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur whenever you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). It is particularly useful in situations if you cannot create a slow ascent. The best ways to avoid altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping every day and night during the climb to allow one's body to adjust to the newest height, and taking it simple the initial one to two days.
This drug can also be used in combination with other medications to take care of a particular type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). Acetazolamide can be a "water pill" (diuretic). It decreases how much fluid that may develop within the eye. It can be accustomed to decrease a buildup of body fluids (edema) caused by congestive heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide can function less more than time, so it will be usually used only for a short time.
It has also been combined with other medications to deal with some kinds of seizures (petit mal and unlocalized seizures).
If you take the tablets, take this medication by mouth, usually 1 to 4 times daily or as directed because of your doctor. If you take the long-acting capsules, take prescription drugs by mouth, usually a couple of times daily or as directed because of your doctor. Swallow the long-acting capsules whole. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action from the drug and may increase unwanted effects.
Acetazolamide might be taken with or without food. Drink lots of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Your dosage is founded on your medical problem and reaction to therapy.
To prevent altitude sickness, begin acetazolamide 1 to 2 days before starting to climb. Continue taking it while you are climbing and for at least two days once you've reached any altitude. You may need to continue taking medicines while staying in the high altitude to manage your symptoms. If you develop severe altitude sickness, it is vital that you climb down as quickly as possible. Acetazolamide is not going to protect you from the serious results of severe altitude sickness. (See also Precautions.)
If you are taking this drug for another condition (e.g., glaucoma, seizures), use medicines regularly as forwarded to make the most reap the benefits of it. To assist you to remember, get it as well(s) daily. Taking your last dose in the early evening might help stop you from being forced to get up inside the middle with the night to urinate. Consult your physician or pharmacist if you have questions regarding your dosing schedule.
Do not increase or reduce your dose or stop using prescription drugs without first consulting a medical expert. Some conditions could become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose ought to be gradually decreased.
When used for a lengthy period, this medication might not act as well and may even require different dosing. Your doctor is going to be monitoring your trouble. Tell your physician if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (e.g., more frequent seizures).
This drug may decrease the potassium levels in your blood. Your doctor may advice that you eat foods full of potassium (e.g., bananas or orange juice) while you take prescription drugs. Your doctor might also suggest a potassium supplement so that you can take during treatment. Consult your doctor for more info.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or increased urination may occur, especially during the first couple of days since your body adjusts on the medication. Blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, decrease of appetite, stomach upset, headache and tiredness could also occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify a medical expert or pharmacist.
Remember that your physician has prescribed medicines while he or she's judged that this advantage of you is greater than the chance of unwanted effects. Many people using prescription drugs don't have serious side effects.
Tell your medical professional straight away if all of these impossible but serious unwanted effects occur: increased body hair, hearing problems, ringing within the ears, unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
Seek immediate medical help if all of these unlikely but grave negative 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 with the hands/feet, blood in the urine, dark urine, painful urination, yellowing of the eyes/skin.
A much more severe allergic reaction to the drug isn't likely, but seek immediate medical help whether or not this occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction might include: blisters/sores in the mouth, rash, itching/swelling (especially with the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete listing of possible negative effects. If you notice other effects unpublished above, contact a medical expert or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your physician for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report negative effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report unwanted side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking acetazolamide, tell your medical professional or pharmacist if you are allergic into it; or in case you have every other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, that may cause allergic reactions and other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for additional information.
This medication really should not be used when you have certain health conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), low blood amounts of sodium or potassium, severe kidney disease, severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), certain metabolic problems (e.g., hyperchloremic acidosis).
Before using this medication, tell your medical professional or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis), high degrees of calcium, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, gout, narrow-angle glaucoma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
While this medication can help you get used to high altitudes and enable you to tolerate quick climbs, it cannot completely prevent serious altitude sickness. Symptoms of serious altitude sickness can include: severe difficulty breathing, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, difficulty concentrating), deficiency of coordination/staggering walk, extreme tiredness, severe headache.
If you develop any of these symptoms, it is vital that you descend with a lower altitude immediately to avoid serious, possibly fatal problems.
This drug could make you dizzy or drowsy or blur how well you see. Alcohol or marijuana could make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything whatsoever that has to have alertness or clear vision unless you are able to do it safely. Limit alcohol consumption. Talk to your medical professional in case you are using marijuana.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from the seated or lying position.
This drug may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which could cause or worsen diabetes. Tell a medical expert without delay when you have the signs of high blood sugar levels for example increased thirst/urination.
If you already possess diabetes, look at your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your medical professional. This medication could also decrease your blood glucose levels. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling hands/feet. It can be a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to deal with low blood glucose levels. If you don't have these reliable kinds of glucose, rapidly increase your blood glucose by consuming a simple supply of sugar including white sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda. Tell your medical professional immediately in regards to the reaction as well as the use of the product. To help prevent low blood sugar levels, eat meals on a regular schedule, and never skip meals.
This medication could make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time and energy in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your physician without delay when you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
This medication shouldn't be utilized in children under 12 as it may affect normal growth.
This medication must be used in combination with caution inside elderly because they may be more responsive to its negative effects, especially low potassium or sodium levels.
This medication needs to be used while pregnant provided that clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk but is not likely to harm a nursing infant. Consult a medical expert before breast-feeding.
Airmail: 2-3 business weeks
EMS: 3-8 business days