Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Description

Diamox is a multipurpose medication with various abilities. The ingredient that is most prominent in Diamox is acetazolamide, a specific protein inhibitor.

 

 

 

Uses

 

Diamox is most commonly prescribed to treat the effects that are experienced by individuals with altitude sickness.

 

Altitude sickness is a condition that occur when people scale to high altitudes in a short period of time. Some of the characteristics of this ailment are headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Diamox is very effective at diminishing these symptoms. It can even be used to ensure that altitude sickness does not occur at all.

 

Diamox is also used in people who have been diagnosed with glaucoma. Such individuals tend to experience a build-up of fluid in the eye that can result in vision problems. Diamox is used to reduce the pressure in the eye. People with congestive heart failure sometimes suffer from edema. This is when there is an accumulation of fluid within the body. Diamox acts as a diuretic in such instances and reduces the buildup. Diamox is also effective in treating certain types of seizures.

 

The acetazolamide in the Diamox is known as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. This means that this product prevents the protein from performing its function. This is what helps to minimize the accumulation of fluid in various parts of the body.

 

Dosage

 

Diamox needs to be taken in specific dosages in order for it to perform optimally. It is important that you follow the instructions that you have been provided by your physician.

 

Diamox is in capsule form and needs to be taken orally.

 

The typical dosage of Diamox is 500mg taken twice a day. It is usually taken once in the morning and then again in the evening.

 

 For acute mountain sickness, the usual dosage is between 500mg and 1000mg of Diamox.

 

 It has been found that dosages over 1g of Diamox have not been found to have any added benefit.

 

 You should not take more than a single dosage of Diamox at one time, even if you have missed your previous dose.

 

 If you have taken more of Diamox than what was prescribed, it is possible that you may be experiencing an overdose.

 

 You should contact a local medical center if this happens.

 

Side Effects

 

There are many positive effects associated with Diamox. There are, however, some negative aspects of Diamox as well. Here is what you can expect when taking Diamox:

 

 Tingling or prickling sensation
 Difficulty hearing
 Abnormalities with hearing
 Loss of appetite
 Changes to tasting ability
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Loose stools
 Increased output of urine
 Sleepiness
 Disorientation

 

Contact a physician if you notice the appearance of any of these symptoms.

 

Contraindications

 

 There is no conclusive evidence regarding whether or not Diamox can harm a fetus. You should seek the advice of a physician if you have become pregnant and have been prescribed Diamox.

 

 Diamox can be passed through breast milk. You should not nurse your child while taking Diamox.

 

 There are several conditions that make it counterproductive to take Diamox. Do not take Diamox if you:

 

 Are younger than eighteen years old

 

 Are experiencing serious problems with your kidneys or your liver

 

 Have an electrolyte disproportion in your body

 

 Are dealing with the malfunctioning of the adrenal gland

 

 Have a known hypersensitivity to sulfa medication

 

 If you take large amounts of Aspirin, have angle closure glaucoma, or at risk for breathing issues, you should first check with your doctor before consuming Diamox.