Acetazolamide
Commercial names and formulations:
Brand name: Diamox
Formulation: Diamox Sequel Capsules (extended release)
Years on the market:
Used for epilepsy since 1952
How to store it?
Store at room temperature
What does the body do to the medication?
Can I take it with food?
Yes
How long does it take to get to the blood after I take it?
Two to four hours
How long does it take to start having a steady effect?
Unknown
Can this medication be started at a high dose or it has to be started gradually?
How long does it stay in the body?
6-9 hours
How is it eliminated?
Kidneys
What does the medication do to the body?
Type of epilepsy that helps:
May help absence, primary generalized tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and Partial Epilepsy.
FDA approved for:
Common side effects:
• Skin: none
• Bones: none
• Blood: metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalance
• Liver: none
• Kidneys: none
• Stomach and intestines: loss of appetite, taste alteration, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Heart: none
• Brain: abnormal sensations, tingling, drowsiness, confusion
• Mood: none
• Others: hearing dysfunction
Serious side effects:
Serious skin conditions: toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Anemia
What happens if I get too much of it (intoxication)?
Symptoms may include electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidotic state, and central nervous effects.
What happens if I stop it suddenly (withdrawal)?
As with most anti-epileptic medications, you should not abruptly stop taking the medication because it may increase the frequency and severity of seizures.
Who should not take this medication?
You should not take this medication if you have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, or a decreased level of sodium or potassium in the blood.
What is the average dose and how many times a day should be given?
Adults: 8 to 30 mg/kg (in divided doses), optimum range 375-1000mg/day
Does the body get used to the medication?
Yes
Medications to be careful with:
Other AEDs that can increase the blood level of acetazolamide:
None anticipated
Other AEDs that can decrease the blood level of acetazolamide:
None anticipated
Other drug interactions:
Increases phenytoin levels
Blood work required?
How often?
Periodic monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended.
Are medication levels in blood useful?
Normal range
Women’s health
Affects contraceptives?
No
Affect fertility?
No
Are safe in pregnancy?
Discuss this with your doctor. It may be safe for some women to take acetazolamide while pregnant.
Category
Pregnancy Category C
Can breastfeed?
Discuss this with your doctor. It may be safe for some women to take acetazolamide while breast feeding.
Affect bones (osteoporosis)?
No
Men’s health
Affects sexual performance?
No
Affects fertility?
No
Use other than epilepsy:
Edema due to congestive heart failure
Chronic glaucoma
Acute mountain sickness