Acetazolamide (Zac) is prescribed to treat excess fluid accumulation due to congestive heart failure. It is also used to treat glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, seizures or epilepsy, mountain sickness, periodic paralysis or muscle weakness, and to reduce the increased pressure in areas surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The dose ranges from 250 mg to 1 g of acetazolamide for 24 hours, usually in divided doses for amounts over 250 mg. Adult- PO Diuresis 250-375 mg/day. Glaucoma; Epilepsy 250-1,000 mg/day. Prophylaxis of high altitude sickness 500-1,000 mg/day. IV Chronic open angle glaucoma 250-1000 mg 24 hrly and Epilepsy 8-30 mg/kg/day in divided doses.
Side effects of Zac
Most Common :
Numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, tiredness, loss of appetite,dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.
Central Nervous System: Occasional instances of drowsiness and confusion, and seizures.
ENT: Taste alterations (parageusia) especially for carbonated drinks, sore throat, ringing in the ear, and Some may also experience blurred vision but this usually disappears shortly after discontinuing the medication.
Genitourinary: Blood in stool/urine, dark urine, painful urination and excessive passage of urination.
Metabolic: Liver impairment, increases the risk of kidney stones, metabolic acidosis, increased thirst, and electrolyte imbalance.
Skin: Hives, unusual bleeding or bruising and photosensitivity.
How to use Zac?
It comes as a tablet and capsule, to take by mouth with food. If you are taking the extended-release form of acetazolamide, do not crush or chew the capsules.
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When Should Zac not be taken? (Contraindications)
Contraindicated in patients with adrenal gland problems, low levels of potassium or sodium in blood, kidney problems, liver problems, high levels of chloride in blood, electrolyte problems and hypersensitivity.
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Warnings and Precautions for Zac
Caution should be exercised in patients with history of kidney stones, sickle cell anemia, lung diseases, increased eye pressure, respiratory problem, elderly, who are taking other medications, any allergy, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It may cause dizziness, drowsiness or vision changes, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
Avoid exposure to sunlight.
Monitor blood sugar, complete blood cell count regularly while taking this medication.
This medication should not be used in children less than 12 because it may affect normal growth.
Caution is advised for patients receiving concomitant high-dose aspirin and acetazolamide, as anorexia, tachypnea, lethargy, coma and death have been reported.
Other Precautions for Zac
Avoid excess dosage.
Storage Conditions for Zac
Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°-30° in an airtight container. Keep it out of reach of children.
Zac(Acetazolamide) : Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Zac cause weight loss?
A: Yes, Zac may cause weight loss. This drug results in the suppression of appetite, leading to weight loss (1✔✔Trusted Source Acetazolamide promotes decreased consumption of carbonated drinks and weight loss
A: No, Zac does not cause anxiety. In general, stress causes anxiety, but Zac can help reduce stress (2✔✔Trusted Source Acetazolamide increases locomotion, exploratory behavior, and weight loss following social stress: A treatment for emotional eating?
Q: Is it recommended to take Zac during pregnancy?
A: No, Because of the reported teratogenic risks, Zac is not recommended for pregnant women. Before taking this medication, consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to have a child (3✔✔Trusted Source Possible association between acetazolamide administration during pregnancy and multiple congenital malformations
A: Take it at the same time(s) every day. It is better to take your last dose in the early evening to avoid waking up in the middle of the night to urinate (5✔✔Trusted Source A Randomized Trial of Temazepam versus Acetazolamide in High Altitude Sleep Disturbance
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1. Acetazolamide promotes decreased consumption of carbonated drinks and weight loss - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208055/ )
2. Acetazolamide increases locomotion, exploratory behavior, and weight loss following social stress: A treatment for emotional eating? - (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589936820300037 )
3. Possible association between acetazolamide administration during pregnancy and multiple congenital malformations - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841426/ )
5. A Randomized Trial of Temazepam versus Acetazolamide in High Altitude Sleep Disturbance - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3785216/ )
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