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

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

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

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

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

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use Diamox 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 for congestive heart failure, your doctor may tell you to skip your medication for a day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

This medicine may cause some people to feel drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, or more tired than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

This medicine may cause a loss of potassium from your body. To help prevent this, your doctor may want you to eat or drink foods that have a high potassium content (for example, orange or other citrus fruit juices) or take a potassium supplement. It is very important to follow these directions. Also, it is important not to change your diet on your own. This is more important if you are already on a special diet or if you are taking a potassium supplement. Extra potassium may not be necessary and, in some cases, too much potassium could be harmful.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

What is this medicine?

Acetazolamide (a set a ZOLE a mide) is used to treat glaucoma and some seizure disorders. It may be used to treat edema or swelling from heart failure or from other medicines.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-methazolamide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
-cyclosporine
-lithium
-medicine for diabetes
-methenamine
-other diuretics
-phenytoin
-primidone
-quinidine
-sodium bicarbonate
-stimulant medicines like dextroamphetamine