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Acetazolamide

Acetazolamide is commonly used to prevent and relieve symptoms of altitude sickness. When Acetazolamide is used, it can reduce headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath which sometimes occurs when you quickly climb to an altitude of above 10,000 feet. The use of this medication is most useful in situations where a slow ascent is not possible. To prevent altitude sickness you can climb slowly, then stop for 24 hours to allow your body to get used to the new conditions, and then take it easy for the next day or two. This medication can also be used in addition to other medications to treat an eye problem called open-angle glaucoma. Acetazolamide is a diuretic that decreases the amount of fluid that can build up in the eye. It can also decrease the amount of bodily fluid that builds up due to congestive heart failure or some other medications. Acetazolamide belongs to a group of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.


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Product Description

How does Acetazolamide work?

Acetazolamide works by preventing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase from functioning correctly, which has different purposes in different parts of the body. It helps the body to acclimatize to high altitudes to prevent and reduce the symptoms that come with altitude sickness as the body tries to adapt to lower oxygen levels. It can take a while for the body to acclimatise to high altitudes and Acetazolamide speeds this up.

 

How to use Acetazolamide

It is important to follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or on the patient information leaflet when using this medication to ensure that you are using it correctly and to reduce the chances of side effects.

The tablet version of this medication is usually taken around 1-4 times a day, but you will be instructed on the recommended dosage by your doctor.

The long acting capsule should be taken once or twice a day, but you will be directed by your doctor on their recommended dosage.

Both versions of this medication should be taken whole without chewing or breaking them, and should be swallowed with water and can be taken with or without food.

Your dosage of Acetazolamide will be determined on your condition and the severity of it.

To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended that you start to take this medication 24-48 hours before you start your climb, and it should be taken for the duration of your climb, plus another 48 hours after your climb. It may be necessary for you to continue taking Acetazolamide while you’re still at a high altitude, to control symptoms, but if you develop altitude sickness then you should descend as quickly as possible. This medication does not provide prevention from severe altitude sickness.

If you are using Acetazolamide for another condition, you should use the medication regularly according to the instructions given to you by your doctor. It is recommended to take your final dose of Acetazolamide late at night to prevent you from waking up in the middle of the night to urinate.

You should always follow the recommended dosage given to you by your doctor when using this medication, and avoid changing the dosage without consulting your doctor or GP first. If you are going to stop using this medication, it is recommended that you gradually decrease the dosage rather than completely stop, as it could worsen your side effects if you stop without doing so.

Acetazolamide can cause the potassium levels in your blood to decrease, so it is recommended that you consume some potassium-rich foods or take potassium supplements during the course of this medication.

 

Dosage:

This medication comes in 2 different forms, with 4 different strengths available. The long-lasting capsule is available in 500mg strength, and the regular-release tablets are available in 125mg, 250mg, and 500mg.

The long-lasting capsules are usually taken once a day, but your doctor may recommend twice a day based on the severity of your condition.

The regular release tablets are usually taken 1 to 4 times a day depending on the strength of the tablets.

The maximum daily dosage for Acetazolamide is 1000mg.

 

Side effects:

Like any other medicine, Acetazolamide comes with the risk of side effects, but not everybody will experience them. Some of the side effects that this medication can cause are more common than others, but if you suffer any side effects which cause concern, you should get in touch with your GP or doctor as soon as possible. Some side effects include:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Migraines
  • Changes or loss of appetite
  • Changes or loss of taste
  • Drowsiness
  • Yellowness or darkness of eyes
  • Tiredness
  • Drowsiness
  • Sore throat
  • Blood in urine
  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Confusion
  • Numbness in arms

 

Who can and cannot use Acetazolamide?

Acetazolamide, like many other medications, can interact negatively with some medications and health conditions. If you suffer from any of the following health conditions, you should avoid using Acetazolamide:

  • Suffer from kidney problems
  • Suffer from problems with your adrenal glands
  • Suffer from low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood
  • Suffer from liver problems
  • Suffer from metabolic problems

 

Buy Acetazolamide Online?

You can buy Acetazolamide safely online through MedsRUs Acetazolamide is a prescription only medication meaning that you cannot buy the medication over the counter from supermarkets or pharmacies. If you did not want to go to the hassle of making an appointment and visiting your doctor for a face-to-face consultation, you can arrange a consultation online with MedsRUs to get a prescription for Acetazolamide with the click of a button.

During this quick and easy process, you simply have to fill in our patient questionnaire by answering a few short questions. Our certified prescribers will then check it over to see if this medication is right for you and your condition. Once the prescriber has confirmed it is the right treatment, you will be provided with a prescription and the medication will be dispensed immediately and sent directly to you.

Our service is completely discreet and confidential, and you can order the medication you need without even having to leave your house.