Acetazolamide 250mg (formerly known as Diamox)

Acetazolamide 250mg capsules contain the active substance acetazolamide. This belongs to a group of medicines known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, often used to treat abnormal retention of fluids (Acetazolamide acts as a diuretic). Acetazolamide increases the amount of urine produced and changes the acidity of the blood. This results in improved breathing and reduces fluid around the brain and in the lungs.

Do not take Acetazolamide:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to sulphonamides, sulphonamide derivatives including acetazolamide or any of the ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
• you have severe liver problems
• you have or have ever had severe kidney problems
• you have a particular type of glaucoma known as chronic non congestive angle closure glaucoma
• you have Addison’s disease (reduced function of the adrenal glands – glands above the kidneys)
• you have low blood levels of sodium and/or potassium or high blood levels of chlorine

You must tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take other medicines, in particular:

• medicines for your heart such as cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin)
• medicines to reduce blood pressure
• medicines to thin your blood (e.g. warfarin)
• medicines to lower the sugar in your blood (e.g. metformin, gliclazide)
• medicines for epilepsy or fits (in particular, phenytoin, primidone or carbamazepine or topiramate)
• Drugs which interfere with folic acid, e.g. methotrexate, pyrimethamine, or trimethoprim
• steroids such as prednisolone
• aspirin and related medicines, e.g. salicylic acid or choline salicylate for mouth ulcers
• other drugs in the group of medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g. dorzolamide or brinzolamide which are also used to treat glaucoma)
• amphetamines (a stimulant), quinidine (treats an irregular heartbeat), methenamine (prevents urine infections) or lithium (treats severe mental problems)
• sodium bicarbonate therapy (used to treat high states of acid in your body)
• ciclosporin (used to suppress the immune system)

• tingling sensation in the fingers and toes
• some loss of appetite
• taste disturbances
• flushing
• diarrhoea
• headache
• dizziness
• fatigue
• irritability
• drowsiness or confusion
• depression

The only cure is acclimatisation or descent.