Diamox Sequels

Diamox Sequels lowers the activity of a protein in your body called carbonic anhydrase. Blocking this protein can help decrease the build-up of certain fluids in the body.

Diamox Sequels is used in people with certain types of glaucoma to lower the amount of fluid in the eye, which reduces pressure inside the eye.

Diamox Sequels is also used as a diuretic ("water pill") in people with congestive heart failure, to decrease the build-up of fluid in the body. This build-up is called edema.

Diamox Sequels is also used to treat certain types of seizures and to treat or prevent altitude sickness.

Diamox Sequels may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time to ensure you get the best results. Do not use Diamox Sequels in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your dose of this medicine will depend on the condition you are treating. If you take Diamox Sequels for congestive heart failure, your doctor may instruct you to skip your medication for a day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

While using Diamox Sequels, you may need to have blood tests done frequently.

Diamox Sequels may be just one part of a complete treatment plan that may also include other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

You should not use Diamox Sequels if you have cirrhosis, severe liver or kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland failure, or an allergy to Diamox Sequels or sulfa drugs.

You should not use Diamox Sequels if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease, or cirrhosis;
• severe kidney disease;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as acidosis or low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood);
• adrenal gland failure; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

To make sure Diamox Sequels is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• severe breathing problems;
• angle closure glaucoma; or
• if you also take aspirin in high doses.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Acetazolamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Diamox Sequels is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Diamox Sequels may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• blood in urine or stools;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• loss of movement in any part of your body;
• a blood cell disorder--sudden weakness or feeling unwell, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, pale skin, feeling tired or short of breath, rapid heart rate, nosebleeds, bleeding gums;
• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain or swelling, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of metabolic acidosis--confusion, vomiting, lack of energy, irregular heartbeats;
• signs of a kidney stone--pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination; or
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects of Diamox Sequels may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
• numbness or tingling, especially in your arms and legs;
• drowsiness, confusion;
• hearing problems, ringing in your ears;
• increased urination; or
• altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Diamox Sequels may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Diamox Sequels can increase your risk of sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Other drugs may interact with acetazolamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently taking and any medicine you begin or stop using.