Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) belongs to the class of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It is used to reduce the pressure in the eye in people with certain types of Glaucoma. It is also sometimes used to treat Epilepsy.

Fluid is constantly being formed and drained out of the eye. When this fluid does not drain out of the eye properly or too much fluid is produced, the pressure inside the eye increases. Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) works by reducing the amount of fluid produced by the eye and central nervous system. Its effects on the central nervous system are also believed to help treat some forms of epilepsy that are caused by higher fluid levels in the central nervous system.

Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Acetazolam (Acetazolamide), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Recommended doses of Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) vary depending on the condition being treated and the circumstances.

For glaucoma, the usual recommended dose is 250 mg by mouth 1 to 4 times a day. In some types of glaucoma, the dosage may be 250 mg every 4 hours.

For epilepsy, the usual recommended dose is 375 mg to 1,000 mg daily by mouth, usually in divided doses so that it's taken 1 to 4 times a day.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Acetazolam (Acetazolamide). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Acetazolam (Acetazolamide). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• confusion
• Diarrhea
• drowsiness
• increased urination
• loss of appetite
• malaise (generally feeling of discomfort)
• metallic taste
• nausea or vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blood in urine
• dark-coloured stools
• Fever
• Hives
• rash
• red or purple spots on the skin
• ringing in ears or hearing loss
• tingling feeling in fingers and toes

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Acetazolam (Acetazolamide).

Do not take Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) if you:

• are allergic to Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) or any ingredients of the medication
• have low levels of sodium or potassium in your blood
• have severe kidney or liver dysfunction

If you have chronic noncongestive angle-closure glaucoma, you should not be using Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) for a long period of time.

There may be an interaction between Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) and any of the following:

• acetylsalicylic acid (high doses)
• Cyclosporine
• droperidol
• Mefloquine
• Memantine
• Methadone
• Methotrimeprazine
• Mirtazapine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Pimozide
• primidone
• quinidine
• Rituximab
• Topiramate
• Zolpidem

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Acetazolam (Acetazolamide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Acetazolam (Acetazolamide).

Allergies: Some people who are allergic to a group of medications called sulfonamides may experience a reaction to Acetazolam (Acetazolamide). If you have a known sulfonamide allergy, your doctor may monitor you for any allergic reactions.

Blood tests: Your doctor may recommend you get lab tests to check your blood at regular intervals while you are taking Acetazolam (Acetazolamide).

Diabetes: Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) may increase blood sugar or urine sugar levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Acetazolam (Acetazolamide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) may make you drowsy. Do not drive or engage in other activities requiring alertness if the medication affects you in this way.

Lungs: If you have certain lung problems, your doctor will closely monitor your condition while you are taking Acetazolam (Acetazolamide), as it may affect the amount of oxygen in your body.

Pregnancy: Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Acetazolam (Acetazolamide), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Acetazolam (Acetazolamide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Acetazolam (Acetazolamide) have not been established for children.