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What is Acetazolamide
AcetazolamideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAcetazolamide is a medication used to reduce the frequency of absence seizures. It can also be used to treat other types of seizures, like tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and atonic seizures, especially in women whose seizures are linked to their menstrual cycle. However, it may not be effective for long because some patients can become tolerant to its effects. Acetazolamide works by blocking brain carbonic anhydrase, which leads to an increased flow of chloride ions and increased inhibition in the brain.
AcetaZOLAMIDEis the brand name
Acetazolamide Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
AcetaZOLAMIDE
Acetazolamide
1978
96
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Acetazolamide, commonly known as AcetaZOLAMIDE, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses such as nonuveitic secondary glaucoma and Other and unspecified effects of high altitude .nonuveitic secondary glaucoma
Other and unspecified effects of high altitude
Open Angle Glaucoma
Effectiveness
How Acetazolamide Affects PatientsAcetazolamide is a medication that helps control fluid production, treats certain types of seizures, and encourages urination when fluid builds up in the body. It is not related to mercury-based diuretics, but is instead a type of sulfonamide drug with a unique structure and effects.
How Acetazolamide works in the bodyAcetazolamide helps with seizures and can also act as a diuretic. It works by inhibiting the carbonic anhydrase enzyme in the brain and kidneys. This reduces the amount of hydrogen ions present, which leads to less carbon dioxide in the lungs and more oxygen. In the kidneys, it reduces the number of hydrogen ions available for active transport, resulting in more bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, and water being excreted from the body.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Acetazolamide is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, including Edema, Tonic - clonic seizures and Metabolic Alkalosis. The amount of dosage fluctuates, as per the administration technique (e.g. Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous or Powder, for solution) presented in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Preoperative
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
cystine renal calculi
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Urine alkalinization therapy
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Respiration stimulated
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Congestive Heart Failure
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Metabolic Alkalosis
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Edema
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Calorimetry, Indirect
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Familial periodic paralysis
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Swollen feet or ankles
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Hypercapnia
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
nonuveitic secondary glaucoma
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Other and unspecified effects of high altitude
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Open Angle Glaucoma
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
salicylate intoxication
, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Warnings
Acetazolamide has thirteen contraindications, hence it should be avoided if you have any of the conditions mentioned in the table below.Acetazolamide ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Metabolic Acidosis
Do Not Combine
Angle Closure Glaucoma
Do Not Combine
Disease
Do Not Combine
Cirrhosis
Do Not Combine
depressed sodium and/or potassium blood serum levels
Do Not Combine
severe Glaucoma caused by peripheral anterior synechias
Do Not Combine
Sulfonamides
Do Not Combine
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Do Not Combine
hyperchloremic acidosis
Do Not Combine
Glaucoma
Do Not Combine
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Do Not Combine
suprarenal gland failure
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Acetazolamide may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Acetazolamide Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Acetazolamide.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Acetazolamide.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Acetazolamide.
Alpelisib
Major
The metabolism of Alpelisib can be decreased when combined with Acetazolamide.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Acetazolamide.
Acetazolamide Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Acetazolamide?
Presently, 76 active studies are examining the applicability of Acetazolamide to alleviate Glaucoma, Preoperative Swelling and other related conditions.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Calorimetry, Indirect
0 Actively Recruiting
Familial periodic paralysis
0 Actively Recruiting
Edema
0 Actively Recruiting
salicylate intoxication
0 Actively Recruiting
Congestive Heart Failure
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
nonuveitic secondary glaucoma
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Hypercapnia
0 Actively Recruiting
Metabolic Alkalosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Urine alkalinization therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
cystine renal calculi
0 Actively Recruiting
Open Angle Glaucoma
12 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Other and unspecified effects of high altitude
0 Actively Recruiting
Swollen feet or ankles
40 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4
Respiration stimulated
0 Actively Recruiting
Preoperative
0 Actively Recruiting
Acetazolamide Reviews: What are patients saying about Acetazolamide?
5Patient Review
4/1/2010 This treatment has been great for me. It's helped with my headaches and neck tension, and I've even lost 16 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. The only downside is that soda now tastes like metal to me, but that's not really a bad thing!
4.3Patient Review
1/19/2011 I've been taking Acetazpolamide for over two and a half years, and I couldn't be more grateful. Before this medication, I had papilloedema; now, I'm able to live my life normally. Coca-Cola still tastes great to me, too!
4Patient Review
10/9/2010 I had issues with constipation and rectal pain, but this medication cleared that right up. I also experienced less pain overall.
3.3Patient Review
2/3/2010 I had some initial nausea but that went away after a little while. I still have numbness in my hands and feet, though.
3.3Patient Review
5/15/2010 I currently take this medication twice a day, and while it has helped with some symptoms, others (like headaches) are still present. It's an improvement, but not ideal by any means.
3.3Patient Review
3/12/2011 While the side effects are very unpleasant, they have helped to decrease the pressure in my eyes. I'm grateful for that, even though it's not a perfect solution.
2.3Patient Review
11/4/2009 I had an incredibly severe reaction to this medication, to the point where I had to go to the ER instead of going on vacation. If you are sensitive to drugs, I would recommend talking to your doctor about side effects before taking this medication.
2Patient Review
7/1/20091.3Patient Review
11/30/2009 I've been on this medication for a decade and, in my opinion, it has saved my vision. The only notable side effect I have experienced is the occasional numbness in my heel.
1.3Patient Review
3/24/2011 I was extremely tired and could not get out of bed. I was put on a high dose because my vision was getting bad quickly, but it was too much too fast. Now I have to get a shunt put in.
1Patient Review
8/7/2009 I was taking this medication for a few months and then suddenly started experiencing bruises all over my body for no reason, as well as a sunburn-like rash. My doctor is now trying a new treatment plan with me.
Patient Q&A Section about acetazolamide
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What type of drug is acetazolamide?
"The drug acetazolamide falls into the category of anticonvulsants and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, which are used to treat conditions like glaucoma."
Answered by AI
What are acetazolamide side effects?
"If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
The side effects of the medication may include dizziness, lightheadedness, increased urination, blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in taste. These side effects may occur during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, you should notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly."
Answered by AI
Who should not use acetazolamide?
"Do not use acetazolamide if you are allergic, have severe liver disease, cirrhosis, severe kidney disease, or an electrolyte imbalance"
Answered by AI
What does acetazolamide do to urine?
"Acetazolamide causes an increase in the amount of sodium that is excreted in urine, with only a small, if any, effect on calcium excretion. Acetazolamide has a similar effect of reducing sodium and calcium absorption in the proximal tubule."
Answered by AI