Diamox (Acetazolamide) helps to prevent and reduce the symptoms of
altitude sickness. This medication decreases headache, tiredness,
nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that are likely to occur when
you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048
meters).
This drug may be also used with other medications to treat a
certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma) or to treat certain
types of seizures (petit mal and unlocalized seizures).
Dosage and direction Take the drug only as prescribed because dosage and schedule may vary on your condition and other factors.
It is advised to start taking Diamox 1 to 2 days before you start to climb. Also continue taking it while you are climbing.
Precautions Before you start taking Diamox, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Aged people may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug.
Contraindications Diamox is contraindicated in patients who have serious kidney, liver or eye problems.
This medicine should not be taken by pregnant women and children as
well as in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any component of
the tablet.
Diamox is not recommended while breast-feeding.
Possible side effect The most common side effects are: dizziness, lightheadedness, an
increased amount of urine, blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness,
headache.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is very rare, but seek immediate medical help if it occurs.
Drug interaction Diamox may interact with: cyclosporine (Sandimmune); primidone
(Mysoline); diflunisal (Dolobid); aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salflex,
Salsitab, others) and other aspirin-like products; lithium (Lithobid,
Eskalith, others).
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Missed dose If you have missed your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
you see that it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take the dose twice.
Overdose If you think you have used too much of this medicine seek emergency
medical attention right away. The symptoms of overdose usually include
chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or
fainting.
Storage Store Diamox at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25
degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the medicine in
the bathroom. Keep medicine away from reach of children and pets.