Acetazolamide

(a set a ZOLE a mide)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as a long-acting capsule and a tablet.
• Some pharmacies may make a liquid.

Pharmacologic Category

• Anticonvulsant, Miscellaneous
• Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
• Diuretic, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
• Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to acetazolamide or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Not if your child has any of the following conditions: Acidic blood condition, kidney disease, liver disease, low potassium levels, low sodium levels, lung disease, or poor adrenal function.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to prevent altitude sickness.
• This medicine is used to prevent or control seizures.
• This medicine is used to treat glaucoma.
• This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid.

How does this medicine work?

• Acetazolamide gets rid of extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys.
• It calms the brain.
• It shortens the time it takes to get used to the high altitude.
• It lowers pressure in the eye.

How is this medicine given?

• Give this medicine with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use measuring device that comes with the medicine. If none is available, get an oral syringe, a medicine dropper, a medicine spoon, or a medicine cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• This medicine begins to work within 2 hours and lasts up to 24 hours.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.
• Do not change dose or stop your child's medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Avoid giving your child other medicines and natural products that slow actions and reactions.
• If your child has been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
• Be careful if your child has G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.
• Your child can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; dress your child in protective clothing and encourage use of protective eyewear.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Diarrhea.
• Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For the occurrence of side effects.
• If using for glaucoma, have your child's eye pressure checked regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If your child is diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugar closely.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child has dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child's seizures are worse or different after starting this medicine.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Follow directions for storage of liquid (suspension). Talk with healthcare provider.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

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