Diamox

Generic name:acetazolamide [ a-SEET-a-ZOLE-a-mide ]
Brand names: Diamox, Diamox Sequels
Drug classes:Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants, Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 27, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Diamox?

Diamox reduces the activity of a protein in your body called carbonic anhydrase. Blocking this protein can help reduce the build-up of certain fluids in the body.

Diamox is used in people with certain types of glaucoma to reduce the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Diamox is also used as a diuretic ("water pill") in people with congestive heart failure, to reduce the build-up of fluid in the body. This build-up is called edema.

Diamox is also used to treat certain types of seizures, and to treat or prevent altitude sickness.

Diamox may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Diamox if you have cirrhosis, severe liver or kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland failure, or an allergy to Diamox or sulfa drugs.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Diamox if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease, or cirrhosis;

• severe kidney disease;

• an electrolyte imbalance...