How long does diamox last

If your healthcare provider is talking about prescribing Diamox for glaucoma, edema, epilepsy, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or migraines, you need to ask why this drug is being recommended instead of the available alternatives.

The only two conditions for which Diamox still may be considered a drug of first choice is in IIH and in the prevention of high-altitude sickness in people transitioning to high altitudes and who are are judged to be at high risk for this condition. Even in these two cases, however, other non-drug approaches such weight loss for patients with IIH should be considered.

For altitude sickness, the much-preferred approach is to engage in gradual ascent and prolonged acclimation to the higher altitudes, along with avoidance of alcohol and sedatives for several days before ascending.

When Diamox is used for prevention of altitude sickness, you will need to begin taking it at least a day before ascent, and treatment will have to continue for at least 48 hours after you have reached the new elevation or until you have acclimatized. Before taking Diamox for any of these indications you will need to tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, particularly allergies to Diamox or other sulfonamides.

Diamox, like some antibiotics, thiazide diuretics, and some oral hypoglycemic drugs, is a sulfonamide. Also, prior to taking this drug, your healthcare provider will need to evaluate whether you are prone to breathing problems, dehydration, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.

Any of these conditions can make side effects with Diamox more likely. Side effects are also more likely to occur in the elderly, and in pregnant women, and this drug should be avoided if possible in women who are breast feeding. Diamox is provided as a tablet of and milligrams mg , as an extended-release capsule mg , and can also be given intravenously. Note that all the dosages listed below are according to the drug manufacturer or published studies.

If you are taking Diamox, be sure to check your prescription and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you are taking the right dose for you. Glaucoma: For open-angle glaucoma, the usual dose is mg tablets up to four times a day, or mg extended release capsule twice per day. In the management of acute close-angle glaucoma Diamox is sometimes given intravenously to rapidly reduce eye pressure while awaiting surgery, typically at a dose of mg.

Edema: When used as a diuretic, Diamox is typically given in tablet form, mg once daily. High-altitude sickness: To prevent high altitude sickness, Diamox should be started on the day before ascent at a dose of mg twice per day, and continued while staying at the higher elevation for an additional two to three days.

In situations where rapid ascent is required, mg per day can be used. Periodic paralysis: Diamox is usually given as mg tablets, from once to three times daily. Normal pressure hydrocephalus: When used for this condition, Diamox is typically given as mg tablets, from one to three times a day. Migraines: When used to treat familial hemiplegic migraines, Diamox is usually prescribed as mg tablets, twice per day. IIH: Diamox is usually started with a dose of mg twice a day and can be increased to up grams per day.

Diamox tablets and capsules are taken by mouth, and can be taken with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole, and should not be broken apart or chewed. Because Diamox can cause dehydration, people taking this medicine should be sure to drink plenty of fluid. Diamox should be stored at room temperature, between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Unpleasant side effects with Diamox are frequent.

Since the most common usages of this drug are temporary the short-term treatment of glaucoma or edema, and prophylactic treatment for high-altitude sickness , people are usually advised to simply tolerate the mild side effects for the duration of therapy. However, side effects make Diamox a difficult drug to take if long-term treatment is desired.

The most common milder side effects with Diamox include:. In addition, many people report an annoying change in their taste sensation. This seems to be especially the case with regard to carbonated beverages; Diamox can make these beverages quite unpleasant to the taste. Some side effects are more difficult to tolerate. If these more troublesome side effects occur, you should report them to your healthcare provider right away.

They may include:. Serious side effects are also possible with Diamox that require immediate medical attention, including:. Allergic reactions to Diamox are relatively uncommon, but they do occur. Symptoms may be relatively mild rash, itching, mouth blisters , or may be a life-threatening emergency anaphylaxis, including severe dizziness, rash, severe shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness. Any sign of an allergic reaction to any drug should be reported right away to your healthcare provider, and if signs suggesting anaphylaxis occur, should be called immediately.

Sometimes Diamox may cause impaired mental alertness or physical incoordination, so caution should be taken if driving or operating machinery. People with diabetes may see a change in blood glucose control with Diamox, which may cause blood glucose levels to become either lower or higher.

Diamox may worsen chronic liver disease. And seven people on acetazolamide and one person on placebo stopped taking their assigned study medication because of perceived side effects, and all side effects were reversed by stopping the drug or reducing the dosage.

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On Cloud Cas9? The H Factor. If you have been prescribed it to remove excess water from your body, to prevent altitude sickness or to help treat epilepsy, speak with your doctor if you need further advice.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking acetazolamide it is important that your doctor knows:. Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with acetazolamide.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you. Dated June Hello, I was followed by an ophthalmologist for about 2 years as glaucoma suspect.