Diamox (Acetazolamide)

You shouldn't take DIAMOX if you:

• Are allergic to DIAMOX or any other ingredients in the drug
• Have low blood levels of sodium
• Have severe kidney or liver problems
• Have metabolic or hyperchloremic acidosis

People with angle-closure glaucoma shouldn't take DIAMOX for an extended period. Your doctor should take this into account when prescribing the drug.

Talk to your doctor before taking DIAMOX if you:

• Are allergic to drugs that contain sulfa, such assulfonamides 
• Are taking high doses of aspirin
• Have liver problems, including cirrhosis of the liver
• Have diabetes
• Have gout
• Have lung problems
• Are 65 or older

Pregnancy and DIAMOX

It's not known whether DIAMOX can harm an unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, or might become pregnant, before taking this medication.

DIAMOX is safe to take while breastfeeding your baby.

Still, talk to your doctor if you plan on breastfeeding while taking this medication.

Common Side Effects of DIAMOX

Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:

• Changes in taste or loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Serious Side Effects of DIAMOX

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Headache
• Fever
• Rash
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Sore throat
• Blood in urine
• Pelvic pain or painful urination
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe allergic reaction (indicated by hives, rash, itching, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)

Discuss all your medications with your doctor and pharmacist before taking DIAMOX.

This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and other dietary supplements (nutritional shakes, protein powders, herbal remedies, etc.), and any illegal or recreational drugs.

You shouldn't take DIAMOX if you're taking the following drugs:

• Drugs that contain topiramate, like Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qsymia, or Qudexy XR
• Eye drops that contain brinzolamide, like Azopt or Simbrina
• Salicylates like aspirin, Doan's Pills (magnesium salicylate), or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)
• Stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, or Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Other drugs that may have serious interactions with DIAMOX include:

• Antibiotics like Avelox (moxifloxacin), Biaxin (clarithromycin), Ketek (telithromycin), or Z-pak or Zithromax (azithyromycin)
• Antidepressants like doxepin, Elavil (amitriptyline), Effexor (venlafaxine), or Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
• Cancer drugs like Leupron or Eligard (leuprolide), Paraplatin (carboplatin), Sprycel (dasatinib), or Tykerb (lapatinib)
• Diabetes drugs like Jardiance (empagliflozin) or Tanzeum (albiflutide)
• Diuretics (water pills) like Bumex (bumetanide), Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide), or Thalitone (chlorthalidone)
• Heartburn drugs like Aciphex (rabeprazole), Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), or Prilosec (omeprazole)
• Lanoxin (digoxin)
• Mood-disorder drugs like Geodon (ziprasidone), Lithobid (lithium), or Seroquel (quetiapine)
• Steroids like cortisone, hydrocortisone, budesonide, or methylprednisolone

DIAMOX and Alcohol

You should avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking DIAMOX.

DIAMOX and Grapefruit Juice

You should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking DIAMOX.

Grapefruit slows down the body's breakdown of DIAMOX, which may cause blood levels of the drug to become dangerously high.

DIAMOX comes in extended-release capsules that contain 500 milligrams (mg) of the drug, and regular-release tablets of 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg.

The drug is also available in liquid form for injection, but this form is used mainly in hospital settings, with the dose depending on the weight of the patient.

You shouldn't take more than 1 gram (1,000 mg) of DIAMOX per day without your doctor's permission.

DIAMOX Overdose

If you suspect an overdose of DIAMOX, call 911 or contact your local poison control center right away.

Missed Dose of DIAMOX

If you miss a dose of DIAMOX, take it as soon as you remember.

But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular medication schedule.

Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one.