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Diamox Information

Diamox (Acetazolamide) is used to treat several conditions, including glaucoma, altitude (mountain) sickness, and edema. For glaucoma, it helps lower pressure inside the eye by reducing the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) the eye produces. Diamox helps your body adjust to high altitudes and relieves symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. The drug also acts as a mild diuretic, helping the body get rid of excess fluid in people with congestive heart failure. It’s often used for swelling caused by heart failure or certain medications.

In some cases, Diamox is used alongside other medicines to help control certain types of seizures. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like Acetazolamide work by blocking the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. This inhibition leads to increased excretion of bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, and water in the urine. This action is diuretic and causes the blood to become more acidic (metabolic acidosis), which is key to its effect in altitude sickness. In the eye, it decreases the rate of aqueous humor formation, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. In the brain, Acetazolamide may also affect the central nervous system (CNS) to help control seizures.

Diamox Side Effects

The most common side effects of Diamox may include increased urination, headache, fatigue, increased thirst, drowsiness, and a metallic or altered taste in the mouth. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Kidney stones;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of severe skin reactions, like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), such as painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off, flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals

Diamox Precautions

Do not use Diamox if you are allergic to Acetazolamide or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have adrenal gland failure, allergy to sulfa drugs, chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma (for long-term use), kidney disease, liver dysfunction, low sodium or potassium levels in the blood, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Diamox and other medications, such as aspirin, cyclosporine, insulin, lithium, metformin, methazolamide, phenytoin, quinidine, etc. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Diamox. Diamox should generally not be used during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Acetazolamide has been found in low levels in breast milk. While some professional guidelines consider it acceptable in breastfeeding, the manufacturer may recommend discontinuing nursing or the drug. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits. The safety and effectiveness of Diamox in children younger than 18 years old have not been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Diamox comes as tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. You may take Diamox with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. This medicine can cause drowsiness. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Diamox can make you sunburn more easily. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 when outdoors. Store Diamox at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Diamox?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Diamox.