Acetazolamide
Buy Acetazolamide Tablets Online from Canadian Pharmacy
Acetazolamide serves multiple purposes. It is primarily used to manage altitude sickness, glaucoma, certain types of edema, and epilepsy. As a diuretic and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, this medication effectively reduces fluid buildup and regulates blood acidity. Available in various forms, including tablets and injections, it alleviates symptoms by promoting bicarbonate excretion. Side effects may include nausea and dizziness. Regular monitoring for metabolic changes is advised to ensure safety.
Product Overview
Acetazolamide is a versatile medication primarily used as a diuretic and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It plays an important role in treating a variety of conditions, including acute mountain sickness/altitude sickness, glaucoma, certain types of edema, and epilepsy (specifically petit mal/absence seizures and unlocalized seizures). The tablets are available in 125 mg and 250 mg strengths, with a powder for injection at 500mg and a 500 mg extended-release capsule also available.
By inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, Acetazolamide reduces the production of aqueous humor & cerebrospinal fluid, effectively lowering intraocular and intracranial pressure. It also adjusts blood acidity, promoting the renal excretion of bicarbonate, aiding in managing metabolic and respiratory acidosis, and supporting urinary alkalinization.
Common side effects include nausea, paresthesia, and dizziness, with rare cases of hematologic reactions.
Patients are advised to stay well-hydrated to prevent kidney stone formation and monitor for metabolic acidosis symptoms. Regular blood tests are recommended to check electrolyte levels and kidney function. Acetazolamide is an essential treatment option for patients needing effective control of fluid retention and pressure-related conditions. It enhances their quality of life by efficiently managing and preventing symptoms.
Uses of Acetazolamide
- Acute mountain sickness/altitude sickness
- Glaucoma
- Edema (swelling in the body due to fluid buildup)
- Epilepsy (petit mal/absence seizures, unlocalized seizures)
Benefits of Acetazolamide
- Treats glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure
- Prevents/treats acute mountain sickness and altitude sickness
- Promotes urinary alkalinization for metabolic/respiratory acidosis
- Used as an adjunctive treatment for epilepsy/seizures
- It may help encourage diuresis in certain edematous states
- It can be used for idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- It may help with exercise-induced periodic paralysis
- Promotes renal excretion of bicarbonate for metabolic alkalosis
Side Effects of Acetazolamide
Common side effects of Acetazolamide may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Paresthesia (tingling/numbness in extremities)
- Altered taste perception
- Metabolic acidosis
- Increased risk of kidney stones
- Impaired urinary alkalinization
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Photosensitivity
- Flushed skin
- Increased urination and thirst
- Weight loss
[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
Acetazolamide Dosage
Forms & Strengths
Acetazolamide comes in the following forms and strengths:
Tablet
- 125mg
- 250mg
Powder for injection
- 500mg
Capsule, extended-release
- 500mg
Recommended Dosages
Adults:
- Glaucoma: 250-1000 mg daily in divided doses
- Altitude sickness prevention: 250-500 mg twice daily
- Edema: 250-375 mg once daily
Children:
- Glaucoma: 5-15 mg/kg/day in divided doses
- Altitude sickness prevention: 2.5 mg/kg twice daily
Elderly:
Lower initial doses may be required due to decreased renal function.
How to Take Acetazolamide?
- Take Acetazolamide precisely as prescribed by your medical expert. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without consulting them.
- Acetazolamide can be taken with or without food.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets.
- For glaucoma, take your doses spaced evenly throughout the day and evening.
- For altitude sickness prevention, start taking 24-48 hours before ascent and continue at higher altitudes for 2-3 days.
Monitoring:
- Have regular blood tests to check electrolyte levels, kidney function, and blood cell counts while taking acetazolamide.
- Stay well-hydrated and increase fluid intake to prevent kidney stone formation.
- Monitor for signs of metabolic acidosis like rapid breathing, confusion, and muscle weakness.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Acetazolamide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your routine schedule. Avoid doubling up on doses of this medication to make up for a missed one.
[Note: Do not take two Acetazolamides simultaneously to compensate for a missed dose. This can elevate your risk of experiencing side effects.]
Overdose
An overdose of Acetazolamide can cause severe metabolic acidosis, drowsiness, confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, and low potassium levels. Get immediate medical attention if a medical overdose is suspected.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Acetazolamide Work?
Acetazolamide works as a diuretic and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. By inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, this medication reduces the secretion of aqueous humor in the eye and cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, decreasing fluid pressure. It also alters the blood’s acidity, promoting the excretion of bicarbonate in the urine. This corrects specific abnormal fluid retention and manages conditions like glaucoma, altitude sickness, and certain types of seizures. This action helps reduce swelling and prevent the build-up of excess fluids.
Important Safety Precautions
- Inform your doctor about all other medications to check for potential interactions.
- Regularly monitor electrolytes, kidney function, and complete blood counts while on acetazolamide.
- Stay well-hydrated and increase fluid intake to prevent kidney stone formation.
- Report any signs of metabolic acidosis like rapid breathing, confusion, or muscle weakness.
- Practice precaution when driving or operating machinery until you have learned how Acetazolamide affects you, as it can cause drowsiness.
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation of the Acetazolamide, as this may precipitate acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Use sunscreen and protective clothing, as Acetazolamide increases photosensitivity.
- Obtain regular eye examinations while taking Acetazolamide for glaucoma.
- Acetazolamide is contraindicated in severe kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and adrenal gland insufficiency.
- It should be used cautiously in older people, as they may be more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances.
- Ensure to inform your doctor if you are expecting a baby soon enough, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Storage
- Store at an average temperature between 20°C to 25°C.
- Keep the tablets in their original container/bottle.
- Keep the container tightly closed to keep it protected from moisture.
- Do not store in bathrooms or areas of high heat and humidity.
- Avoid freezing the tablets.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use Acetazolamide after the expiration date printed on the label.
- Discard any discolored, cracked, or visibly deteriorated tablets.
Acetazolamide Interactions
- Aspirin and other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, zonisamide) – May increase the risk of metabolic acidosis and kidney stone formation when combined with acetazolamide.
- Sodium bicarbonate and other alkalinizing agents – May increase the risk of metabolic alkalosis and antagonize acetazolamide’s effects.
- Amphetamines – Acetazolamide may increase the risk of amphetamine toxicity.
- Quinidine – May increase quinidine levels and toxicity.
- Cyclosporine – Acetazolamide may increase cyclosporine levels.
- Lithium – Acetazolamide may increase lithium levels and risk of toxicity.
- Anti-epileptic drugs (phenytoin, primidone, etc.) – May increase the risk of osteomalacia.
- Digoxin – Acetazolamide may increase digoxin levels.
- Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., cisplatin, aminoglycosides) – Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
- Oral anti-diabetic drugs – Acetazolamide may alter blood glucose levels.
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]
Acetazolamide Alternatives
- Methazolamide (Neptazane)
- Brinzolamide (Azopt)
- Dorzolamide (Trusopt)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Zonisamide (Zonegran)
- Dichlorphenamide (Keveyis)
- Furosemide
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Mannitol
- Glycerol
- Corticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone)
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) eye drops like dorzolamide, brinzolamide
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Acetazolamide tablet alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Acetazolamide lead to anemia?
Although uncommon, Acetazolamide can cause blood-related issues, including anemia, as a result of severe allergic reactions. The exact mechanism by which Acetazolamide triggers these blood problems is poorly understood. If you are taking Acetazolamide and experience symptoms of anemia, like fatigue, dizziness, or weakness, it is essential to inform your healthcare expert immediately.
Does Acetazolamide have diuretic properties?
Although not primarily categorized as a diuretic, Acetazolamide exhibits diuretic effects. It acts on the kidneys to release excess water and electrolytes into the urine. It can benefit individuals experiencing fluid retention or edema, often associated with conditions like heart failure.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Acetazolamide?
While there are no specific manufacturer guidelines on consuming alcohol with acetazolamide, both substances can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, consuming alcohol during Acetazolamide treatment may intensify these effects, increasing the risk of accidental injuries.
Is Acetazolamide effective for treating heart failure?
Acetazolamide is not explicitly used to treat heart failure itself but is approved to alleviate a related symptom, edema—swelling caused by fluid buildup. It facilitates the removal of excess fluids and electrolytes, potentially reducing swelling joints in heart failure patients.
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