What is Acetazolamide ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 6, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Acetazolamide ER overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • acetaZOLAMIDE

Generic Names:

  • Acetazolamide Er

Uses:

  • Treats glaucoma, epilepsy, mountain sickness, and edema (swelling).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticonvulsant, Antiglaucoma, Cardiovascular Agent, Musculoskeletal Agent, Renal-Urologic Agent, Urinary Stone Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Acetazolamide ER used for?

Acetazolamide ER is used to treat glaucoma by decreasing the amount of fluid build-up in the eye. It is also used to remove the buildup of fluids in the body that causes edema. It is used to treat certain types of seizures and prevent altitude sickness. Acetazolamide ER may also be used to treat other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. It is available to adults as a long-lasting capsule.

What form(s) does Acetazolamide ER come in

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Capsule

What are common Acetazolamide ER doses?

  • Capsule Extended Release 12 Hour 500MG

Common Acetazolamide ER prescriptions

  • acetaZOLAMIDE ER
    500mg capsule extended release 12 hour

How to take Acetazolamide ER

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.

  • Use this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.

  • May be taken with or without food.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open.

  • You will need to go to the bathroom more often while you are taking this medicine. To keep from having to go too often during the night, take this medicine in the morning. If you use more than 1 dose a day, take your last dose before 6 p.m. (unless your doctor tells you differently).

  • You will need to go to the bathroom more often while you are taking this medicine. To keep from having to go too often during the night, take this medicine in the morning. If you use more than 1 dose a day, take your last dose before 6 p.m. (unless your doctor tells you differently).

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.

  • Use this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.

  • May be taken with or without food.

What to do if you miss a dose of Acetazolamide ER

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Use the missed dose as soon as you remember.

  • If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use your medicine and skip the missed dose.

Acetazolamide ER contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetazolamide or related medicine such as methazolamide (Neptazane®) or dichlorphenamide (Daranide®).

Acetazolamide ER warnings

  • Check with your doctor before taking if you have lung, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, gout, or a poorly working adrenal gland (Addison's disease).

  • Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • If you use acetazolamide for seizures, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

  • Acetazolamide can make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.

  • You may need to eat or drink foods containing potassium, such as citrus juices, oranges, or bananas, to prevent potassium loss while taking this medicine - check with your doctor.

  • This medicine may increase the level of sugar in your blood or urine, which can worsen diabetes.

  • Severe nausea or vomiting

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Pain in joints or lower back

Acetazolamide ER interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking aspirin, amphetamines (Dexedrine®), quinidine, or methenamine (Mandelamine®).

  • Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • If you use acetazolamide for seizures, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

  • Acetazolamide can make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.

  • You may need to eat or drink foods containing potassium, such as citrus juices, oranges, or bananas, to prevent potassium loss while taking this medicine - check with your doctor.

  • This medicine may increase the level of sugar in your blood or urine, which can worsen diabetes.

Acetazolamide ER side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Severe nausea or vomiting

  • Pain in joints or lower back

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Trouble breathing

  • Skin rash, hives, or itching

  • Painful urination

  • Bloody stools or urine

  • Yellowing of skin or eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Vision changes

  • Frequent urination

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness

  • Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or mouth

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Appetite loss or a metallic taste in mouth

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