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Diamox Side Effects

Generic name: acetazolamide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 24, 2021.

Note: This document contains side effect information about acetazolamide. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Diamox.

For the Consumer

Applies to acetazolamide: oral capsules, oral tablets, parenteral powder for injection

Side effects include:

Paresthesias, hearing dysfunction or tinnitus, anorexia, altered taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, drowsiness, confusion.

Managing side effects (general information)

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to acetazolamide: compounding powder, injectable powder for injection, intravenous powder for injection, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet

General

Adverse reactions occurring early in therapy have included paresthesias, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions including shock and fatalities[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Blood dyscrasias such as aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia purpura[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Loss of appetite, electrolyte disturbances, metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia with long term therapy, hyponatremia osteomalacia with long-term therapy, hyper/hypoglycemia[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Photosensitivity

Frequency not reported: Skin reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria, rash including erythema multiforme[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, melena[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Abnormal liver function, cholestatic jaundice, fulminant hepatic necrosis, hepatitis[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Paresthesias (up to 20%)

Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, taste alteration, ataxia, flaccid paralysis, convulsions, sensory disturbances[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Confusion, irritability, depression, excitement, reduced libido[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Transient myopia[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Renal colic, increased risk of nephrolithiasis, renal failure[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Polyuria, polydipsia, crystalluria, renal calculi, hematuria, glycosuria[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Growth retardation in children[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Flushing, malaise, thirst, fatigue, fever, hearing disturbances[Ref]

Local

Frequency not reported: Injection site pain[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Diamox Sequels (acetaZOLAMIDE (acetazolamide))." Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc, Pomona, NY.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

3. "Product Information. Acetazolamide for Injection (acetaZOLAMIDE (acetazolamide))." Sterimax Inc, Kingston, OR.

4. "Product Information. AcetaZOLAMIDE (acetaZOLAMIDE (acetazolamide))." Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. Inc, Hawthorne, NY.

5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer