Acetazolamide(Diamox sequels)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor; Anticonvulsant, diuretic

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Used for acute mountain sickness, also used for edema, chronic heart failure, glaucoma, and certain seizure disorders. Causes increased excretion of bicarbonate, sodium and potassium

Question 3

Onset and Duration

Answer 3

Onset:
Tablets:1-2 hours. IV: 2-10 minutes
Duration:
Tablets: 24 hours IV: 4-5 hours

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Acute mountain sickness, altitude sickness prophylaxis

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Hypersensitivity to acetazolamide or sulfa drugs, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, known metabolic acidosis, liver or renal disease, noncongestive angle-closure glaucoma

Question 6

Adverse reactions

Answer 6

Tinnitus
Nausea/vomiting 
Diarrhea 
Metabolic acidosis 
Various electrolyte imbalances

Question 7

Drug interactions

Answer 7

May cause insoluble precipitate in urine when administered with methenamine, may increase toxicity from cisapride

Question 8

How supplied

Answer 8

125 mg and 500 mg tablets

Question 9

Dosage and administration- Adult and pediatric

Answer 9

2.5 mg/kg per dose up to 250 mg PO Q 12 hours

Question 10

Special considerations

Answer 10

Pregnancy safety category C

Not recommended in acute mountain sickness prophylaxis In pediatrics except in certain high risk situations