Diamox/Acetazolamide
This drug is used to lower eye pressure, as part of glaucoma treatment or during the early after surgery period to prevent or treat temporary pressure rises in the eye.
Occasionally it is used to try and reduce water logging of the retina (macula œdema).
It does have a diuretic effect on the kidneys, i.e. it acts like a water tablet.
It should not be taken if there is a past history of kidney stones or allergy to sulphonamides.
Possible side effects that might be encountered (continue the treatment unless these are troublesome):
- Tingling of fingers and lips.
- Loss of appetite.
- Lethargy.
- Feeling low.
- Metallic taste.
- Increased water production.
The side effects occur quite commonly in the first week of treatment but thereafter reduce and usually become tolerable. You should take fresh orange juice each day to maintain potassium salt levels whilst taking this table.
If these tablets are causing a lot of troublesome symptoms and it is not possible to continue the treatment, then you should contact the Eye Clinic and your notes will be brought to the attention of the doctor looking after you to see if there is an alternative treatment that they can recommend.
This information site has been provided by varied UK and US eye doctors for patients with eye problems.
Once your eye doctor has made a diagnosis or recommended an investigation or treatment, then you will be able to find further explanation on this site.
It is not a self diagnosis centre. It should not be relied upon without taking professional advice.