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Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide, sold under the trade name Diamox, is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is used to treat glaucoma, epileptic seizures, benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), altitude sickness, cystinuria, and dural ectasia. Acetazolamide is available as a generic drug and is also used as a diuretic. Additional recommended knowledge
UsesGeneralAcetazolamide is often used in the treatment of various diseases. For glaucoma sufferers, the drug decreases fluid formation in the eye resulting in lower intraocular pressure. In epilepsy, its main use is in absence seizures, with some benefit in other seizure syndromes. It is also used to decrease generation of cerebrospinal fluid in benign intracranial hypertension and has also shown efficacy in autosomal dominant hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. It has also been demonstrated in drug trials to relieve symptoms associated with dural ectasia in indivduals with Marfan Syndrome.[1] Acute mountain sicknessAcetazolamide is best taken prophylactically, anywhere between 125 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg per day, starting a few days before going to the higher altitude. The drug forces the kidneys to excrete bicarbonate, the conjugate base of carbonic acid. By increasing the amount of bicarbonate excreted in the urine, the blood becomes more acidic. Acidifying the blood stimulates ventilation, which is beneficial during acclimatization. Others only take it when symptoms begin to appear so they can tell whether the drug really has any benefits for them. Whereas some people have reported that it relieves mild cases of acute mountain sickness, it is best taken prophylactically. Note that acetazolamide is not an immediate fix for acute mountain sickness; it speeds up acclimatization which in turn helps to relieve symptoms. This may take up to a day or two, and requires waiting without any further rapid ascent. It is often advisable to descend if even mild acute mountain sickness is experienced. If serious sickness is encountered, descent is considered mandatory unless other circumstances present greater danger. Side-effectsCommon side effects of using this drug include numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, and taste alterations (parageusia), especially for carbonated drinks; both are usually due to mild hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Some may also experience blurred vision but this usually disappears shortly after stopping the medication. Acetazolamide also increases the risk of developing calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate kidney stones. Everyone will experience more frequent urination as a result of using acetazolamide. One should drink more fluids than usual to prevent dehydration and headaches. Acetazolamide prolongs the effects of amphetamines and related drugs. ContraindicationsAcetazolamide should not be taken by individuals if:
References
Carbamates: Emylcamate, Felbamate, Meprobamate -- Pyrrolidines: Brivaracetam, Levetiracetam, Nefiracetam, Seletracetam Sulfa drugs: Acetazolamide, Ethoxzolamide, Sultiame, Zonisamide -- Propionates: Beclamide -- Aldehydes: Paraldehyde -- Bromides: Potassium bromide, Sodium bromide |
Ophthalmologicals: antiglaucoma preparations and miotics (S01E) | |
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Sympathomimetics | Apraclonidine • Brimonidine • Clonidine • Dipivefrine • Epinephrine |
Parasympathomimetics | Aceclidine • Acetylcholine • Carbachol • Demecarium • Echothiophate • Stigmine (Fluostigmine, Neostigmine, Physostigmine) • Paraoxon • Pilocarpine |
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors | Acetazolamide • Brinzolamide • Diclofenamide • Dorzolamide • Methazolamide |
Beta blocking agents | Befunolol • Betaxolol • Carteolol • Levobunolol • Metipranolol • Timolol |
Prostaglandin analogues | Bimatoprost • Latanoprost • Travoprost • Unoprostone |
Other agents | Dapiprazole • Guanethidine |