Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide is available in Canada only by prescription.
Known as | Apo-Acetazolamide®
Diamox® |
Uses | Acetazolamide is used to control seizures, particularly absence seizures. (It is also used to induce reduction of body fluids, and to treat simple and secondary glaucoma.) |
How to Use | Follow the dosing instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist. |
Side Effects | Taken over a short period, acetazolamide may cause side effects including loss of appetite, sensitivity to the sun, fever, rash, thirst, headache, drowsiness, and urinary difficulties. Taken over a long period, tolerance (increased drug needed for the same therapeutic effects) may develop. |
Precautions | Have your doctor monitor your liver functions for possible negative reactions. If you notice fever, skin rash, or any kind of urinary problems, inform doctor about possible drug change. Pregnant women should avoid taking acetazolamide. |
Interactions | - Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA/aspirin) may increase the side effects of acetazolamide.
- Acetazolamide may increase the side effects of phenytoin.
|
Missed Dose | Take acetazolamide as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not double-up on dosage; simply resume you medication schedule. |
Storage | Store at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C, away from children, heat, light and moisture. |
Forms | tablet (250 mg round, white, quarter-scored, embossed "LLD2" or "DIAMOX 250");
capsule (500 mg orange with lettering "DIAMOX" or "D3") |
Disclaimer
The material offered at this site is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Although all material presented at this site has been thoroughly researched and is believed to be correct, Epilepsy Ontario accepts no liability. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have. People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
|
