Medicinal uses of Acetazolamide in High Altitude Sickness

Emmanuel Andres^*
*Correspondence: Dr. Emmanuel Andres, Department of Pharmaceuticals, University of Strasbourg, Alsace, France, Email:

Description

Acetazolamide is the drug used to prevent and decrease the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can reduce tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and rapidity of breath that can happen when the person climbs rapidly to high altitudes above 11,000 feet (4,048 meters). It is mainly useful in situations when you cannot make a moderate rise. The best method to prevent altitude sickness is to climb gradually. Acetazolamide is also used along with other drugs to treat high pressure inside the eye that is mainly caused by glaucoma. Acetazolamide comes under the class of drugs branded as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The mechanism of acetazolamide involves declining the production of fluid inside the eye. It is also used to reduce an accumulation of body fluids (edema) caused by cardiac failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide can work less effectively over time, so it is generally used only for a small time period.

Medicinal uses

In recent days, Acetazolamide has been taking other medications in order to treat various types of seizures, such as petit mal and unlocalized seizures. If you are consuming the tablets, take this drug by mouth as directed by your physician, frequently 1 to 4 times every day. If you are taking the long-acting tablets, take this medication orally as directed by your physician, typically 1 or 2 times daily. Breaking, exposing, or chewing the capsules will destroy the drug's effective action and may result in side effects. Acetazolamide might be taken with or without food. People who are taking this drug should consume plenty of fluids unless otherwise suggested by their physician. The quantity of the dose depends on your medical situation and response to management. In order to prevent altitude sickness, start consuming acetazolamide 1 to 3 days before you start to climb. Continue taking the dose while you are climbing for about 48 hours after you have reached your last altitude. It is essential to continue taking this medication while staying at a high altitude in order to regulate your symptoms. Acetazolamide will not treat the serious side effects of altitude sickness. In order to treat another condition such as seizures or glaucoma, take this drug frequently as directed by your physician for effective action. Do not increase your dose or use this medicine for a longer period of time than prescribed. By taking an overdose, it leads to the side effects. When you are using this drug for a long period, this medication may not work effectively, and one should increase their dose regularly. While your physician is observing your condition, tell your physician if your condition does not improve or if you have more frequent seizures. Acetazolamide may decrease the potassium levels in your blood. Your physician may suggest that you take foods that are rich in potassium, such as orange juice or bananas, while you are using this medication. Your doctor may also recommend a potassium supplement for you during treatment. The side effects caused by acetazolamide are blurred vision, dry mouth, and drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in taste.