Diamox

Drug Uses

Diamox is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is used in combination with other medicines to treat certain types of glaucoma and prevent the symptoms of mountain sickness.

How it is taken

Take Diamox with a meal to avoid an upset stomach. The pill must be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing. One must increase the fluid intake while using the drug.

There might be an increase in the frequency of urination when you start taking the drug. So, to avoid your sleep getting disturbed owing to this, do not take any dose after 6pm.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Diamox, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

A diamox overdose may lead to symptoms like abnormal skin sensations (eg, tingling, tickling, itching, burning), buzzing, ringing, or whistling in the ears, drowsiness, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, nausea, tremors, unsteady movements, vomiting. You must seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have kidney stones, a lung disease, glaucoma, diabetes, or difficulty breathing, if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness) to any other sulfonamide medicine such as acetazolamide, celecoxib, certain diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), glyburide, probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide.

Diamox may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have adrenal gland problems, low blood levels of potassium or sodium, kidney problems, liver problems (eg, cirrhosis), high blood levels of chloride, or other electrolyte problems.

Certain drugs can interact with Diamox and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Diamox and contact your doctor immediately.

Diamox is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Diamox should not be used in children less than 12 years of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug in these children have not been confirmed yet.

Diamox may interfere with certain lab tests to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Diamox may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

If you are a diabetic, then periodic blood sugar monitoring should be a part of your routine whilst taking the drug.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are Blurred vision, changes in taste, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, frequent urination, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood in urine, changes in hearing, convulsions, dark, bloody stools, dark urine, fast breathing, fever, lack of energy, lower back pain, red, swollen, or blistered skin, ringing in the ears, sore throat, tingling of the arms or legs, unusual bleeding or bruising, vision changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.