Acetazolamide can be used to avoid and reduce the signs of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and lack of breath that could occur whenever you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). It is particularly attractive situations if you cannot make a slow ascent. The best ways in order to avoid altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping for 24 hours through the climb to permit the body to adjust to the new height, and taking it simple the 1st 1 to 2 days.
This drug is additionally in combination with other medications to help remedy a specific sort of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). Acetazolamide can be a "water pill" (diuretic). It decreases how much fluid that will build up inside eye. It can also be accustomed to decrease an accumulation of body fluids (edema) a result of congestive heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide can work less more than time, so it will be usually used just for a brief time period.
It been specifically used with other medications to help remedy some kinds of seizures (petit mal and unlocalized seizures).
If you adopt the tablets, take prescription drugs by mouth, usually 1 to 4x daily or as directed from your doctor. If you adopt the long-acting capsules, take prescription drugs by mouth, usually 1 or 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the long-acting capsules whole. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action in the drug and might increase unwanted side effects.
Acetazolamide may be taken with or without food. Drink a lot of fluids unless otherwise directed through your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and reaction to therapy.
To prevent altitude sickness, start taking acetazolamide 1 to 2 days before starting to climb. Continue taking it when you are climbing and then for a minimum of 48 hours once you have reached your final altitude. You might need to continue taking prescription drugs while residing at the high altitude to manage your symptoms. If you develop severe altitude sickness, it is vital that you climb down immediately. Acetazolamide will not save you from the serious connection between severe altitude sickness. (See also Precautions.)
If you are taking this drug for one more condition (e.g., glaucoma, seizures), use prescription drugs regularly as directed to get the most make use of it. To help you remember, go on it concurrently(s) each day. Taking your last dose in the early evening may help keep you from having to get out of bed within the middle of the night to urinate. Consult your medical professional or pharmacist in case you have queries about your dosing schedule.
Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop using this medication without first consulting your medical professional. Some conditions may become worse if this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose might need to be gradually decreased.
When used for a long period, medicines may not be well and might require different dosing. Your doctor will be monitoring your complaint. Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or whether or not this worsens (e.g., more frequent seizures).
This drug may reduce the potassium levels with your blood. Your doctor may suggest that you eat foods abundant in potassium (e.g., bananas or orange juice) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor could also suggest a potassium supplement so that you can take during treatment. Consult a medical expert for more information.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or increased urination may occur, especially in the first few days as the body adjusts on the medication. Blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, decrease of appetite, stomach upset, headache and tiredness might also occur. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify a medical expert or pharmacist.
Remember that your physician has prescribed prescription drugs as he or she's got judged that the advantage of you is greater than the risk of unwanted effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious unwanted effects.
Tell a medical expert right away if some of these impossible but serious negative effects occur: increased body hair, the loss of hearing, ringing inside the ears, unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
Seek immediate medical help if all of these unlikely but serious unwanted side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, fast/irregular heartbeat, indications of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, difficulty concentrating), severe muscle cramps/pain, tingling with the hands/feet, blood within the urine, dark urine, painful urination, yellowing of the eyes/skin.
A much more severe hypersensitive reaction to this drug isn't likely, but seek immediate medical assistance if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious hypersensitive reaction can include: blisters/sores in the mouth, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete set of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact a medical expert or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical health advice about negative effects. You may report unwanted effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report negative effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking acetazolamide, tell your physician or pharmacist in case you are allergic for it; or if you have every other allergies. This product might have inactive ingredients, which can cause hypersensitive reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication really should not be used for those who have certain health conditions. Before applying this medicine, consult your medical professional or pharmacist if you have: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), low blood degrees of sodium or potassium, severe kidney disease, severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), certain metabolic problems (e.g., hyperchloremic acidosis).
Before using prescription drugs, tell your physician or pharmacist your history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis), high amounts of calcium, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, gout, narrow-angle glaucoma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
While prescription drugs can assist you get employed to high altitudes and assist you to tolerate quick climbs, it wouldn't completely prevent serious altitude sickness. Symptoms of serious altitude sickness can sometimes include: severe breathlessness, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, difficulty concentrating), not enough coordination/staggering walk, extreme tiredness, severe headache.
If you develop any of these symptoms, it is crucial that you simply descend with a lower altitude as soon as possible to prevent serious, possibly fatal problems.
This drug could make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do just about anything that really needs alertness or clear vision before you can perform it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your medical professional if you're using marijuana.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, stand up slowly when rising from the seated or lying position.
This drug may rarely build your blood glucose levels rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell a medical expert immediately when you have symptoms of high blood sugar including increased thirst/urination.
If you already have diabetes, look at the blood glucose levels regularly as directed and share the final results with a medical expert. This medication could also lower your blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood glucose include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to handle glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood glucose. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood glucose by eating a simple supply of sugar such as white sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor straight away in regards to the reaction and also the utilization of this system. To help prevent low blood sugar levels, eat meals on a regular schedule, and never skip meals.
This medication will make you more sensitive for the sun. Limit your time and effort within the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your physician right away if you achieve sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
This medication mustn't be employed in children below 12 because it may affect normal growth.
This medication must be in combination with caution within the elderly given that they might be more understanding of its unwanted side effects, especially low potassium or sodium levels.
This medication should be used while pregnant only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical professional.
This medication passes into breast milk but isn't likely to harm a nursing infant. Consult a medical expert before breast-feeding.
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