Acetazolamide is used for the prevention and reduction of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Acetazolamide can decrease a headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and shortness of breath that may occur when you climb quickly to altitudes above 10,000 feet. The use of this medicine is particularly useful in situations when making a slow ascent is not possible. You can prevent altitude sickness by climbing slowly, stopping for 24 hours during the climb to allow your body to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy the first one or two days.

This medication is used also with other medications to treat open-angle glaucoma, an eye problem.

Acetazolamide is a diuretic that decreases the amount of fluid that can build up in the eye. It also decreases the buildup of body fluids caused by congestive heart failure or some medications.

Acetazolamide belongs to the group of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Take Acetazolamide as instructed by your doctor. Take this medication, whether tablet or capsule, by mouth. The tablet should be taken usually 1 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. The long-acting capsules should be taken once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. The long-acting capsules must be swallowed whole, without opening, breaking, or chewing them because doing so will destroy the long action of the medicine and may increase the side effects.

This medicine may be taken with or without a meal. Drink plenty of fluids when you take this medication unless your doctor will advise you otherwise. Your dosage of Acetazolamide is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment.

You can prevent altitude sickness by taking this medication 1 to 2 days before you start to climb. Continue taking the medication while climbing and for another 48 hours after reaching the final altitude. It may be necessary that you continue taking this medication while you stay at a high altitude to help control your symptoms. If you develop altitude sickness, it is necessary that you climb down as fast as possible. This medication does not provide protection from severe altitude sickness.

If you are taking Acetazolamide for another condition, use the medication regularly according to the instructions of your doctor. It is recommended that you take your last dose of the medication in the early evening to prevent getting up in the middle of the night to urinate.

You should take the dose of this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dose without first consulting your doctor. If you have to stop taking this medication, you may need to gradually decrease the dose as sudden stoppage of use may worsen some conditions.

Acetazolamide may reduce the levels of potassium in your blood. Your doctor may ask you to eat foods rich in potassium or take a potassium supplement during the treatment.

Acetazolamide 250 mg is the most common dosage. It is also available in extended-release capsules that contain 500 mg of the drug, and regular-release tablets of 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg.

The extended-release capsule should be taken once or twice daily.

The regular-release tablet should be taken 1 to 4 times daily, as directed by your doctor.

The maximum dose of this medication is 1 gram or 1,000 mg per day.