Diamox 250mg

A six carbon compound related to glucose. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and many vegetables. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets, and necessary to maintain connective tissue and bone. Its biologically active form, vitamin C, functions as a reducing agent and coenzyme in several metabolic pathways. Diamox 250mg is considered an antioxidant.

Glaucoma

It has been used for glaucoma sufferers. The drug decreases fluid formation in the eye resulting in lower intraocular pressure.

Neurologic

In epilepsy, its main use is in absence seizures and myoclonic seizures.. It can be used in both episodic ataxia types 1 and 2 (although the mechanisms are presumed to be different between the two).

In catamential epilepsy, an increase in seizure frequency around menses, Diamox 250mg can be an adjunct to an anti-seizure medication regimen to aid in decreasing seizure frequency around menses.

It is also used to decrease generation of cerebrospinal fluid in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and has shown efficacy in some forms of periodic paralysis.

Marfan syndrome

It’s been demonstrated in drug trials to relieve symptoms associated with dural ectasia in individuals with Marfan Syndrome.

Sleep apnea

Off-label uses include Diamox 250mg as a conjunction drug to merely assist patients with sleep apnea by lowering blood pH and encourage respiration.

Acute mountain sickness

Diamox 250mg is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase is a protein in your body. Diamox 250mg reduces the activity of this protein.

Diamox 250mg is used to treat glaucoma and to treat and to prevent acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness). It is also used as a part of some treatment plans for congestive heart failure and seizure disorders.

Diamox 250mg may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Preparation and Storage of

Parenteral Solution

Each 500 mg vial containing sterile Diamox 250mg sodium should be reconstituted with at least 5 mL of Sterile Water for Injection prior to use. Reconstituted solutions retain their physical and chemical properties for 3 days under refrigeration at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F), or 12 hours at room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). CONTAINS NO PRESERVATIVE. The direct intravenous route of administration is preferred.

Intramuscular administration is not recommended.

Glaucoma

Diamox 250mg should be used as an adjunct to the usual therapy. The dosage employed in the treatment of chronic simple (open-angle) glaucoma ranges from 250 mg to 1 g of Diamox 250mg per 24 hours, usually in divided doses for amounts over 250 mg. It has usually been found that a dosage in excess of 1 g per 24 hours does not produce an increased effect. In all cases, the dosage should be adjusted with careful individual attention both to symptomatology and ocular tension. Continuous supervision by a physician is advisable.

In treatment of secondary glaucoma and in the preoperative treatment of some cases of acute congestive (closed-angle) glaucoma, the preferred dosage is 250 mg every four hours, although some cases have responded to 250 mg twice daily on short-term therapy.

In some acute cases, it may be more satisfactory to administer an initial dose of 500 mg followed by 125 or 250 mg every four hours depending on the individual case.

Intravenous therapy may be used for rapid relief of ocular tension in acute cases. A complementary effect has been noted when Diamox 250mg has been used in conjunction with miotics or mydriatics as the case demanded.

Epilepsy

It is not clearly known whether the beneficial effects observed in epilepsy are due to direct inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the central nervous system or whether they are due to the slight degree of acidosis produced by the divided dosage. The best results to date have been seen in petit mal in children. Good results, however, have been seen in patients, both in children and adult, in other types of seizures such as grand mal, mixed seizure patterns, myoclonic jerk patterns, etc. The suggested total daily dose is 8 to 30 mg per kg in divided doses. Although some patients respond to a low dose, the optimum range appears to be from 375 to 1000 mg daily. However, some investigators feel that daily doses in excess of 1 g do not produce any better results than a 1 g dose. When Diamox 250mg is given in combination with other anticonvulsants, it is suggested that the starting dose should be 250 mg once daily in addition to the existing medications. This can be increased to levels as indicated above.

The change from other medications to Diamox 250mg should be gradual and in accordance with usual practice in epilepsy therapy.

Congestive Heart Failure

For diuresis in congestive heart failure, the starting dose is usually 250 to 375 mg once daily in the morning (5 mg/kg). If, after an initial response, the patient fails to continue to lose edema fluid, do not increase the dose but allow for kidney recovery by skipping medication for a day.

Diamox 250mg yields best diuretic results when given on alternate days, or for two days alternating with a day of rest.

Failures in therapy may be due to overdosage or too frequent dosage. The use of Diamox 250mg does not eliminate the need for other therapy such as digitalis, bed rest, and salt restriction.

Drug-Induced Edema

Recommended dosage is 250 to 375 mg of Diamox 250mg once a day for one or two days, alternating with a day of rest.

Note: The dosage recommendations for glaucoma and epilepsy differ considerably from those for congestive heart failure, since the first two conditions are not dependent upon carbonic anhydrase inhibition in the kidney which requires intermittent dosage if it is to recover from inhibitory effect of the therapeutic agent.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Diamox 250mg?

Hypersensitivity to Diamox 250mg or any excipients in the formulation. Since Diamox 250mg is a sulfonamide derivative, cross sensitivity between Diamox 250mg, sulfonamides and other sulfonamide derivatives is possible.

Diamox 250mg therapy is contraindicated in situations in which sodium and/or potassium blood serum levels are depressed, in cases of marked kidney and liver disease or dysfunction, in suprarenal gland failure, and in hyperchloremic acidosis. It is contraindicated in patients with cirrhosis because of the risk of development of hepatic encephalopathy.

Long-term administration of Diamox 250mg is contraindicated in patients with chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma since it may permit organic closure of the angle to occur while the worsening glaucoma is masked by lowered intraocular pressure.

Use Diamox 250mg solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Diamox 250mg solution is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Diamox 250mg solution at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Diamox 250mg solution. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Diamox 250mg solution if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Diamox 250mg solution, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Diamox 250mg solution.

Diamox 250mg is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). It is particularly useful in situations when you cannot make a slow ascent. The best ways to prevent altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping for 24 hours during the climb to allow the body to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy the first 1 to 2 days.

This drug is also used with other medications to treat a certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). Diamox 250mg is a "water pill" (diuretic). It decreases the amount of fluid that can build up in the eye. It is also used to decrease a buildup of body fluids (edema) caused by congestive heart failure or certain medications. Diamox 250mg can work less well over time, so it is usually used only for a short period.

It has also been used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures (petit mal and unlocalized seizures).

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Diamox 250mg may also be used to treat periodic paralysis.

How to use Diamox 250mg

If you are taking the tablets, take this medication by mouth, usually 1 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the long-acting capsules, take this medication by mouth, usually 1 or 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the long-acting capsules whole. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.

Diamox 250mg may be taken with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

To prevent altitude sickness, start taking Diamox 250mg 1 to 2 days before you start to climb. Continue taking it while you are climbing and for at least 48 hours after you have reached your final altitude. You may need to continue taking this medication while staying at the high altitude to control your symptoms. If you develop severe altitude sickness, it is important that you climb down as quickly as possible. Diamox 250mg will not protect you from the serious effects of severe altitude sickness.

If you are taking this drug for another condition (e.g., glaucoma, seizures), use this medication regularly as directed to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Taking your last dose in the early evening will help prevent you from having to get up in the middle of the night to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.

Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Your doctor will be monitoring your condition. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (e.g., more frequent seizures).

This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Your doctor may recommend that you eat foods rich in potassium (e.g., bananas or orange juice) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement for you to take during treatment. Consult your doctor for more information.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Diamox 250mg?

DIAMOX®. modifies phenytoin metabolism with increased serum levels of phenytoin. This may increase or enhance the occurrence of osteomalacia in some patients receiving chronic phenytoin therapy. Caution is advised in patients receiving chronic concomitant therapy.

By decreasing the gastrointestinal absorption of primidone, DIAMOX may decrease serum concentrations of primidone and its metabolites, with a consequent possible decrease in anticonvulsant effect. Caution is advised when beginning, discontinuing, or changing the dose of DIAMOX in patients receiving primidone.

Because of possible additive effects with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, concomitant use is not advisable.

Apo-Diamox 250mg may increase the effects of other folic acid antagonists.

Apo-Diamox 250mg may increase or decrease blood glucose levels. Consideration should be taken in patients being treated with antidiabetic agents.

Apo-Diamox 250mg decreases urinary excretion of amphetamine and may enhance the magnitude and duration of their effect.

Apo-Diamox 250mg reduces urinary excretion of quinidine and may enhance its effect.

Apo-Diamox 250mg may prevent the urinary antiseptic effect of methenamine.

Apo-Diamox 250mg increases lithium excretion and the lithium may be decreased.

Apo-Diamox 250mg and sodium bicarbonate used concurrently increases the risk of renal calculus formation.

Apo-Diamox 250mg may elevate cyclosporine levels.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Diamox 250mg?

Common side effects of using this drug include numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, and taste alterations (parageusia), especially for carbonated drinks. Some may also experience blurred vision but this usually disappears shortly after stopping the medication. Diamox 250mg also increases the risk of developing calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate kidney stones. Everyone will experience more frequent urination as a result of using Diamox 250mg. One should drink more fluids than usual to prevent dehydration and headaches. Diamox 250mg prolongs the effects of amphetamines and related drugs. Diamox 250mg also causes metabolic acidosis.