General Information on Diamox
Diamox is used to reduce and prevent symptoms of acute mountain sickness such as tiredness, shortness of breath, headache, and nausea that generally occur when you climb rapidly to high altitudes (above 3,048 meters or 10,000 feet).The drug is also used along with other medicines to treat specific types of eye problems (open angle glaucoma), abnormal retention of fluids, and specific types of seizures such as unlocalized and petit mal seizures.
Acetazolamide, the main active ingredient in the drug, belongs to a family of drugs known as Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Diamox works differently when used to treat acute mountain sickness and glaucoma.
Acute mountain sickness can be treated with oxygen supplementation and immediate descent. Acetazolamide increases bicarbonate excretion by the kidneys, which leads to increase in acidic levels in the blood. Acidifying the blood induces ventilation, which leads to increased levels of oxygen in the blood. In glaucoma treatment, Diamox reduces the production of fluid in the eye, which helps reduce ocular pressure.
Diamox is available in the form of a tablet. It is supplied in two different strengths: 125mg and 250mg. The drug is a prescription medication, so consult your doctor before you buy Diamox.
Side effects of Diamox
Diamox may cause mild to severe side effects in some people. Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, decreased appetite, vomiting, changes in taste, constipation, drowsiness, mild tremors, or fatigue are some of the common side effects associated with the drug.
You may also experience weakness, nervousness, confusion, increased sensitivity to sunlight, headache, worsening gout, hearing problems or ringing in the ears, vision changes, or loss of blood sugar control if you have diabetes after using the medication.
Some people may experience severe side effects after taking a dose of Diamox. Unusual bruising or bleeding, side/groin pain, tremors, tingling sensation in your feet or hands, fever, or sore throat are some of the serious side effects associated with the drug.
Diamox may also cause allergic reactions such as swelling of the face/lips/tongue, closing up of your throat, difficulty breathing, or hives. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice or experience any severe side effects or allergic reactions after taking a dose of Diamox.
Dosage of Diamox
Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the dosage. Diamox dosage depends on the condition being treated and the patient’s response to treatment. You can take the medication with or without food.
The recommended dosage to treat glaucoma is one Diamox 250mg tablet every four hours or a starting dose of two Diamox 250mg tablets, followed by one tablet of Diamox 125mg or Diamox 250mg. To treat acute mountain sickness, the recommended dose is generally in the range of 500mg to 1000mg per day.
If you buy Diamox to prevent symptoms of acute mountain sickness, you should start taking the dose 24 to 48 hours before ascending to a high altitude. You need to continue taking the dose for 48 hours while you are at a high altitude.
