Acetazolamide is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including glaucoma, edema (fluid retention), altitude sickness, and seizures. It works by increasing the amount of water and salt excreted in the urine, which affects electrolytes and the acid-base balance in the body. Common side effects include fatigue, loss of appetite, and dizziness.

Acetazolamide is also available under its brand name, Diamox Sequels, and comes in the form of a tablet and extended-release capsule.

Acetazolamide is used to treat a variety of conditions, including glaucoma, altitude sickness, seizures, and edema.

Acetazolamide can treat glaucoma by reducing pressure inside the eye, which can reduce swelling caused by glaucoma and help prevent potential vision loss. It works by decreasing production of aqueous humor in the eye.

It can treat altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness, . by changing the pH balance in the body and affecting electrolyte excretion in the kidneys. . This same principle can be applied to treating edema and metabolic alkalosis.

It is often used to reduce seizure frequency and severity by delaying abnormal, excessive activity in the brain.

Acetazolamide works by preventing the dehydration of carbonic acid and inhibiting the hydration of carbon dyoxide in your body, which results in changes in both the pH balance of the body and affects various electrolyte levels.

Conditions like glaucoma, altitude sickness, seizures and some types of metabolic alkalosis are often a result of pH or electrolyte disturbances; acetazolamide can provide relief by affecting the electrolytes in your body.

Common side effects of acetazolamide include upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking acetazolamide:

• Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation
  
• Vomiting
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Drowsiness or confusion
  
• Headache
  
• Fever
  
• Sore throat
  
• Skin rash
  
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  

Seek medical attention right away if you experience pain during urination, blood in the urine, unusual bleeding or bruising, or seizures after taking this medication. These are serious adverse reactions and require immediate medical attention.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with acetazolamide. Additionally, acetazolamide is in the same class of drugs as sulfa, so if you have a sulfa allergy, be sure to alert your clinician. Acetazolamide can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Acetazolamide comes in the form of an oral tablet and an extended-release capsule, which are typically taken once per day depending on your diagnosis. The dosing amount can range from 250mg - 1000mg per day. However, you should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of acetazolamide without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

Acetazolamide should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and kept out of the reach of children.

Acetazolamide is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not acetazolamide is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for acetazolamide to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.