Acetazolamide (By injection)

Acetazolamide (a-seet-a-ZOLE-a-mide)

Treats glaucoma, seizures, and edema (swelling).

Brand Name(s):

acetaZOLAMIDE Novaplus

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to acetazolamide or sulfa drugs, of if you have kidney disease, liver disease, low potassium or sodium in the blood, metabolic acidosis, adrenal gland problem, or noncongestive angle-closure glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
  • A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some medicines can affect how acetazolamide works. Tell your doctor if you are using aspirin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have lung problems.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
    • Liver problems
    • Kidney stones
  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination
  • Confusion, drowsiness
  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain , yellow skin or eyes
  • Trouble breathing, tiredness, uneven heartbeat
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Changes in vision
  • Diarrhea
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
  • Ringing in you ears, trouble hearing
  • Unusual taste in your mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

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