ACETAZOLAMIDE, 250MG, TABLET

Common uses

This medication is typically used for glaucoma. It may also be used to prevent kidney stones, for epilepsy, as well as for other uses. Even though you may not feel its effects, this medication takes effect within a few hours.

How to use this medication

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects.

Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.

This medication may irritate the stomach, and should be taken with food. It is best to avoid coffee, spicy food or alcohol.

Possible side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

• it may cause a bitter aftertaste;
• it may decrease your appetite;
• it may cause diarrhea;
• it may cause muscle weakness;
• it may cause a feeling of discomfort;
• it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting;
• it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun.

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage information

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.

Nutritional impact

When using this product over a long period of time, you will develop an increased need for certain nutrients. Fortunately, you can easily increase your intake of these nutrients through your diet. The following table shows the nutrient that is most affected by your treatment, along with foods that are good sources of this nutrient. For the duration of your treatment, try to eat these foods more frequently to avoid a deficiency of this nutrient.

Nutrient Suggested foods potassium vegetables and fruits and their juice (e.g., asparagus, artichokes, eggplant, beets, broccoli, carrots, celery, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cooked pumpkin, potatoes, spinach, parsnips, squash, sweet potatoes, green peas, rutabaga, tomatoes, apricots, avocado, bananas, mangoes, papaya, nectarines, kiwi, prunes, melon, cantaloupe), dried fruit, milk, yogurt, nuts, legumes, meat, poultry, fish and whole-grain cereal products

Additional information

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

General information

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

• Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
• If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
• If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
• The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.

It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.