What is this medicine?

ACETAZOLAMIDE (a set a ZOLE a mide) is used to treat glaucoma. It is also used to treat and to prevent altitude or mountain sickness.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food or on an empty stomach. Do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• confusion, depression

• dark urine

• fever

• numbness, tingling in hands or feet

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• ringing in the ears

• seizure

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in taste

• diarrhea

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• passing urine more often

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• methazolamide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cyclosporine

• lithium

• medicine for diabetes

• methenamine

• other diuretics

• phenytoin

• primidone

• quinidine

• sodium bicarbonate

• stimulant medicines like dextroamphetamine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetazolamide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need blood work done regularly. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.