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Acetazolamide is usually used to control seizures and other problems related to the nervous system.
Generally, the common side effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment. Such side effects may include:
Mild nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea and loss of appetite, taste disturbance - If the medicine upsets the stomach, take it with food or milk
Headache, Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue and unsteadiness - Be careful when you are giving your child over-the-counter medicines. Medicines for cold and allergy may add on to the drowsiness. Be sure to supervise your child when he/she is involved in activities such as cycling or swimming.
Double vision and blurred vision
Muscle weakness, poor muscle coordination or numbness in the hands and feet (“pins and needles” sensation)
Unusual behavioural changes such as hyperactivity, irritable or confusion
Inform your doctor if any of the above side effects lasts for more than a few days or if they become serious or bothersome.
Rare but serious side effects may sometimes occur. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
Skin rash
Persistent blurred vision and/or eye pain
Difficulty or pain when passing urine
Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine
Any unusual bleeding or bruises, prolonged fever, cough or mouth sores
Acetazolamide may be taken 2 to 3 times a day. The doctor may start your child on a low dose and then slowly increase the dose. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.
Do not take this medication more often than directed and do not stop unless instructed by the doctor. Stopping this medicine too rapidly can increase the risk of seizures.
Tablets
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. If your child is unable to swallow the tablet, you may crush it and add it to small amount of food (i.e. yogurt, ice-cream, syrup) before giving it to your child. Acetazolamide may be taken with or without food.
It is important to drink adequate amount of fluids when your child is taking acetazolamide.
Give your child the dose as soon as you remember and then continue to take it as you normally give. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next dose at the usual time.
Do not double or increase the dose.
If your child has missed more than two doses or you are not sure of what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If your child has less than two weeks medication supplies, please ensure that you have made an appointment with your child’s neurologist or arranged to collect more medication.
Please inform your doctor if your child has family history of kidney stones.
Please inform your doctor if your child is allergy to sulphonamides.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you want to give any other medicines, supplements or herbal products to your child.
If your child sees another doctor, inform him that your child is taking acetazolamide before he prescribes any other medications.
Updated on Tuesday, August 31, 2021
This article is contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup