Diamox is an enzyme inhibitor medicine indicated for controlling fluid secretion in certain types of glaucoma, treating epilepsy and diuresis in cases of cardiac edema.
This medicine is available in pharmacies, in a dose of 250 mg, and can be purchased for a price of around 14 to 16 reais, upon presentation of a medical prescription.
How to use
The dosage depends on the problem to be treated:
1. Glaucoma
In open-angle glaucoma, the recommended dose is 250 mg to 1 g per day, in divided doses; for the treatment of closed-angle glaucoma, the recommended dose is 250 mg every 4 hours. Some people respond to 250 mg twice daily for short-term therapy, and in some acute cases, depending on the individual situation, it may be more appropriate to give an initial dose of 500 mg, followed by doses of 125 mg or 250 mg. , every 4 hours.
2. Epilepsy
The suggested daily dose is 8 to 30 mg/kg of acetazolamide, in divided doses. Although some patients respond to low doses, it appears that the optimal total dose range is 375 mg to 1 g per day. When acetazolamide is administered in combination with other anticonvulsants, the recommended dose is 250 mg of acetazolamide, once a day.
3. Congestive heart failure
The usual recommended starting dose is 250 mg to 375 mg, once a day, in the morning.
4. Medication-induced edema
The recommended dose is 250 mg to 375 mg, once a day, for one or two days, alternating with a day of rest.
5. Acute mountain sickness
The recommended dose is 500 mg to 1 g of acetazolamide per day, in divided doses. When the ascent is rapid, a higher dose of 1 g is recommended, preferably 24 to 48 hours before the ascent and continued for 38 hours while at high altitude or for a longer period, as necessary to control symptoms. .
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment are headache, malaise, fatigue, fever, flushing, growth retardation in children, flaccid paralysis and anaphylactic reactions.
Who shouldn’t use
Acetazolamide should not be used in people with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, in situations where serum sodium or potassium levels are depressed, in cases of dysfunction or severe disease of the kidneys and liver, adrenal gland insufficiency and in acidosis. hyperchloremic.
This medicine should also not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women without a doctor’s advice.
