Clinical Overview
Acetazolamide Tablets (250mg) is an oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. By inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in renal proximal tubules, it promotes bicarbonate excretion, inducing mild metabolic acidosis which stimulates central chemoreceptors, driving hyperventilation and arterial oxygenation. Indicated for prevention and treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness (altitude illness), central sleep apnea in severe COPD, and open-angle glaucoma.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
For mountain sickness: Take orally 125 mg to 250 mg twice daily starting 1 to 2 days before ascent and continuing for 48 hours at high altitude with water.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Paresthesias (tingling in fingers and toes), polyuria, altered taste (carbonated beverages taste flat), fatigue. Rare/Severe: Metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, and severe sulfonamide hypersensitivity.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Sulfonamide derivative; contraindicated in severe sulfa allergy, severe renal/hepatic impairment, and hypokalemia.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, pulmonological diagnosis, or respiratory management recommendations. Inhalation therapies and allergy medications should be used strictly under the guidance of a qualified pulmonologist or registered medical practitioner.