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What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy, edema relating to Congestive Heart Failure, drug induced edema, and for altitude sickness prevention in mountain climbers. It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that promotes proper fluid movement and secretion.
Last text update: 2011-10-04
Last data update: 2012-01-14
This product has a black box relating to an increased risk of severe allergic reaction, and an increased risk of potential fatality in using this product in conjunction with high-dose aspirin.
Usage:
Acetazolamide is most commonly used to treat the conditions below, together with the percentage of all people taking the medication for the particular condition.
| Disease/Condition | % |
|---|
| Pseudotumor Cerebri | 71% |
| COPD | 12% |
| Glaucoma | 6% |
| Tinnitus | 6% |
| Balance Problems | 6% |
| Meniere's Disease | 6% |
| Heart Failure/Edema | 6% |
General Information:
- 6.9
- Acetazolamide Average Satisfaction Score
- 83% of patients are at least somewhat satisfied with Acetazolamide.
MediGuard regularly polls our more than 600 users taking Acetazolamide (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM). This feedback is continuously updated for the benefit of the MediGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@mediguard.org.
Comments
Global Patient Feedback for Acetazolamide (Acetazolamide)
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I have been off diamox now for little over a month. I was actually on it for 14 years, and to go go off of it cause I do not have health insurance anymore. Does anyone know know the long term side affects of being on diamox? And what about going off of it cold turkey?
- 42 year old – Source: MediGuard
- Posted: 2009-09-13 14:51:20
I was diagnosed with Peseudotumor Cerebri or Benign Intercarannial Hypertension after I went in for a routine eye exam in March 2002. I knew something was up when the Doctor wanted to dilalate my eyes. Well, I wasn't experiencing headaches or anything like that. I could hear my pluse in my ears. Doctor said my eyes were hemoraging. Lost some eye sight. After a CAT SCAN, MRI and the final confirmation of a spinal tap. They told me that I had the above condition. I have no idea how I got this, though in the fall I was given a antibiotic at the hospital that was a small white pill, I was to take one a day. I took on and remember it made me feel sicker than I was, it gave me a headache. I think that is what caused this, a side effect from taking that pill. I really don't know. I don't like taking any pills so it was really hard to get into the routine of taking diamox. I could not stand the side of effect of the tingling in my hands and feet. I am a preschool teacher and we spend time outside year round. It seem this was worst in the winter when it was cold. I finally got use to using the medcine. After being on the diamox for two years, I began to notice that the swishing or pluse in my ears seem become much more intense. So I talked with my nurologist and I told him I wanted to stop taking this medcine. He weaned me off the pills and I have not taken them since about 2006. I don't seem to have any problems so far. I see an eye specialist once a year and check in with the nuerologist.
- 52 year old – Source: MediGuard
- Posted: 2009-03-21 09:56:24
I was diagnosed with Pseudotumor Cerebri in Fall 2004. I have been taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) since this time. One of my occupations is an over-the-road trucker and I'm exposed to altitude change very frequently. This medication has helped me from having the buildup of excess spinal fluid. I was given the option to have a shunt from my spine to abdominal region but I decided to take the Diamox once a day instead. This medication can cause frequent urination and has caused my Potassium level to drop which in return causes painful tingling in my lower extremities. I've found that if I walk 3 days a week plus drink orange Juice and eat bananas, this helps keep my level within a good range. I know there are other patients that have no choice but to have the shunt surgery and take Diamox also. I have had issues where I was tired of taking the pill and quit cold turkey. That can be a major mistake if you are dehydrated or low on Potassium. It's best to talk to your physician before ending the medication.
- 39 year old – Source: MediGuard
- Posted: 2009-03-08 17:48:26
