Acetazolamide

Do not take Acetazolamide if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have severe kidney/liver problems, chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma, Addison’s disease, if you have low sodium and/or potassium levels or high chlorine levels. Inform your doctor if you have lung problems, kidney stones, electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland problems, diabetes, or heart problems. Avoid taking Acetazolamide if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Acetazolamide is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Acetazolamide might cause dizziness and drowsiness; so, drive only if you are alert. Acetazolamide might make your skin sensitive to sunlight; therefore, wear protective clothing and sunscreen whilst going out.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Acetazolamide may have interaction with cardiac glycoside (digoxin), blood thinner (warfarin), anti-diabetic (metformin, gliclazide), anti-convulsant (phenytoin, primidone, carbamazepine, topiramate), steroid (prednisolone), anti-glaucoma agents (dorzolamide, brinzolamide), anti-arrhythmic (quinidine), anti-maniac (lithium), immunosuppressant (ciclosporin), alkalinizing agent (sodium bicarbonate), and anti-hypertensive medicines.

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have severe kidney/liver problems, chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma, Addison’s disease, low sodium and/or potassium levels, or high chlorine levels.

GLAUCOMA:

• Avoid intake of baked foods such as cakes, cookies, doughnuts or fried items such as French fries and stick margarine as these foods may worsen glaucoma and damage the optic nerve.
• Limit coffee intake as it may increase pressure in the eye. Replace coffee with green tea.
• Avoid exercises such as any position where the head is lower than the body, like an inverted yoga pose, as it may increase pressure in the eye. Doing selective exercises is advised for glaucoma patients.

EPILEPSY:

• Exercising regularly helps in maintaining weight and improving overall health. 
• Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
• Have a seizure response plan to help those around you know what to do.
• Prepare your living area; small changes may help reduce the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
• Understand what triggers seizures and try reducing or avoiding them.
• Please pay attention to overall health, as it can help reduce seizure activity.
• Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.

FLUID RETENTION:

• Limit salt intake.
• Consume foods rich in magnesium, such as nuts, dark chocolate, whole grains, and leafy vegetables.
• Include foods rich in vitamin B6, such as potatoes, bananas, meat, and walnuts.
• Potassium reduces water retention, therefore, include potassium-rich foods such as avocados, tomatoes, and bananas.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates.
• Walking can help reduce fluid retention.

• If you are due to have any surgery, inform the doctor/surgeon that you are taking Acetazolamide.
• Your doctor may advise frequent blood tests whilst taking Acetazolamide.
• Regular monitoring of serum electrolyte levels is advised.
• Talk to your doctor immediately if you have thoughts of harming or killing yourself.