Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index Acetazolamide, also known as Diamox, is a carbonic anhydrase (enzyme) inhibitor that is used to treat glaucoma, epileptic seizures and altitude sickness. For glaucoma sufferers, the drug decreases fluid formation around the eye resulting in lower internal pressure on the eye. Acetazolamide has been shown to relieve mild cases of altitude sickness in some people. The drug forces the kidneys to excrete bicarbonate, the base form of carbon dioxide thus counteracting the effects of hyperventilation that occurs at altitude. Some take acetazolamide prophylactically, anywhere between 125 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg per day. Others only take it when symptoms begin to appear so they can tell whether the drug really has any benefits for them. Acetazolamide can also be taken to treat sleep apnea that may develop at higher elevations as it stimulates the respiratory system to breathe more regularly. Note that acetazolamide is not an immediate quick fix – it speeds up acclimatization which in turn helps to relieve symptoms. This may take up to a day or two without any further rapid ascent. Common side effects of using this drug include numbness, taste alterations (especially for carbonated drinks) and tingling in the fingers and toes. Some may also experience blurred vision but this usually disappears shortly after stopping the medication. Everyone will experience more frequent urination as a result of using acetazolamide. One should drink more fluids than usual to prevent dehydration and headaches. Acetazolamide should not be taken by individuals if: they are allergic to sulfa medications. they are allergic to any carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. they have liver or kidney disease. they have adrenal gland failure (i.e. Addison's disease). they have diabetes. Acetazolamide can only be obtained by prescription and is available as a generic drug. Myths Acetazolamide covers up symptoms. Acetazolamide speeds up acclimitization which in turn helps to alleviate symptons. However, if you still feel sick, you need to stop ascending immediately. Acetazolamide prevents AMS from getting worse. If your symptoms are not improving, continued ascent can lead to HAPE or HACE. Stopping the drug causes symptoms to worsen. Your body will just return to its own acclimization rate. If you are already acclimitized, the drug will not change that fact. References Complete Guide to Prescription & Non-Prescription Drugs by H. Winter Griffen, M.D., Sixth edition, 1989. ISBN 0-89586-754-0. http://www.ismmed.org/np_altitude_tutorial.htm DISCLAIMER Please remember that Wikipedia is offered for informational use only. The information is in most cases not reviewed by professionals. You are advised to contact your doctor for health-related decisions. This article is from Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.