Safely Buy Diamox SR ( Acetazolamide ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.
Indications
Diamox SR is a medication that contains the active substance acetazolamide.
Acetazolamide belongs to a group of medicines known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Acetazolamide is commonly used to treat various conditions, including glaucoma (a condition of the eye) and altitude sickness.
Acetazolamide works by reducing fluid production in the eye, lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma, and helping alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
Use and Dosage
If you are taking the tablets, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 4 times daily. If you are taking the long-acting capsules, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 or 2 times daily. Swallow the long-acting capsules whole. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.
Acetazolamide may be taken with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To prevent altitude sickness, start taking acetazolamide 1 to 2 days before you start to climb. Continue taking it while you are climbing and for at least 48 hours after you have reached your final altitude. You may need to continue taking this medication while staying at a high altitude to control your symptoms. If you develop severe altitude sickness, you must climb down as quickly as possible. Acetazolamide will not protect you from the serious effects of severe altitude sickness. (See also Precautions.)
If you are taking this drug for another condition (such as glaucoma, or seizures), use this medication regularly as directed to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Taking your last dose in the early evening will help prevent you from having to get up in the middle of the night to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Your doctor will be monitoring your condition. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, if you have more frequent seizures).
This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Your doctor may recommend that you eat foods rich in potassium (such as bananas or orange juice) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement for you to take during treatment. Consult your doctor for more information. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Acetazolamide may cause serious side effects including:
- Blood in urine or stools
- Seizure (convulsions)
- Loss of movement in any part of your body
- Blood cell disorder–sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, pale skin, feeling tired or short of breath, rapid heart rate, nosebleeds, bleeding gums
- Liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain or swelling, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Signs of metabolic acidosis–confusion, vomiting, lack of energy, irregular heartbeats
- Signs of a kidney stone–pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination
- Severe skin reaction–fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
Common side effects of acetazolamide may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea
- Numbness or tingling, especially in your arms and legs
- Drowsiness, confusion
- Hearing problems, ringing in your ears
- Increased urination
- Altered sense of taste
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Cautions
- Before taking acetazolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal gland problems (such as Addison’s disease), untreated mineral imbalance (such as low sodium/potassium, hyperchloremic acidosis), dehydration, kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, emphysema, lung infection), diabetes, gout, narrow-angle glaucoma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
- While this medication can help you get used to high altitudes and help you tolerate quick climbs, it cannot completely prevent serious altitude sickness. Symptoms of serious altitude sickness may include severe shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, and difficulty concentrating), lack of coordination/staggering walk, extreme tiredness, and severe headache.
- If you develop any of these symptoms, you must descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible to prevent serious, possibly fatal problems.
- This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
- This drug may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination.
- If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. This medication may also lower your blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals.
- This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
- Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
- Older adults may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness and lightheadedness.
- During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Forms and Strengths
Diamox SR is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Diamox SR Capsule:
- 250 mg
FAQ
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
What should I avoid while taking acetazolamide?
Acetazolamide may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Acetazolamide can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
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Additional information
Brand Name: |
Diamox SR |
|---|---|
Scientific Name: |
Acetazolamide |
Other Names: |
Diamox SR |
Strength(s): |
250mg |
Quantities Available: |
90, 180 |
Formulation: |
Capsule |
