Drug name: Diacarb

Other names used:

• Acetamox®
• Anicar®
• Dehydratin®
• Diamox®
• Dilamox®
• Diluran®
• Diuramid®
• Ederen®
• Eumicton®
• Fonurit®
• Glaucomide®
• Glauconox®
• Glaupax®
• Lediamox®
• Natrionex®
• Nephramid®
• Renamid®
• Sulfadiurine®

Active Ingredients:

• Acetazolamide

Therapeutic effects of Diacarb: Diacarb with Acetazolamide as its main ingredient is classified as drug that suppresses the activity of carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic anhydrase are a group of enzymes that catalyze the rapid interconversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate and protons. Simply put these enzymes help in the production and breaking down of carbonic acid and in that process these enzymes also produce bicarbonate. Acetazolamide acts on these enzymes and inhibits the production of bicarbonate. This decreases the fluid pressure in the eye and also removes excess water of the body through kidney. Apart from these two critical functions Acetazolamide also blocks certain nerve discharges that may contribute to seizures.

Indications: Diacarb is used for treating:

• Brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time (Epilepsy)
• Too much fluid accumulation in the body due to heart failure
• Too much fluid accumulation in the body due to various medicines
• Too much fluid accumulation in the body due to pre-menstrual syndrome
• Secondary glaucoma
• Open angle glaucoma
• This medicine is also used before the surgery for severe closed angle glaucoma

Precautions and Restrictions:

Warning!

• Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms such as inching, skin peeling, rashes etc.
• It is very important to monitor your blood cell count on regular bases while taking Diacarb.

Do not use Diacarb if you have the following conditions:

• Experience of allergic reactions to sulphonamide
• Chronic non-congestive glaucoma
• Adrenal gland failure
• Presence of higher amount of chloride in the blood which results in elevated acid levels in the blood
• Hypokalemia (lower than normal amount of potassium in the blood)
• Hyponatremia (lower than normal amount of sodium in the blood)
• Serious kidney disorder
• Serious liver disorder
• Do not use this drug if you are pregnant
• If you are a breast feeding mother it is best to consult a doctor before using this medicine. Diacarb may pass into milk in small amounts hence it should be taken only if the benefits overweight the risks.
• Users of Diacarb may experience drowsiness hence do not drive or operate machinery while using this drug.

Consult a doctor if you have one of these conditions:

• Obstructive lung disease (pulmonary obstruction)
• Decreased liver function
• If the user is an aged person
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
• Potential Urinary tract obstruction
• Unstable balance of salts in the body

Side effects: Taking medicines such as Diacarb can sometimes give rise to some side effects that are contrary to what is expected. It is not certain that these adverse reactions will effect every user of this drug. Some of the potential side effects of Diacarb tablets include the following:

• Hives, itching, swelling of the lips, and other types of allergic reactions
• Fever or sore throat
• Contusion or unusual bleeding
• Pain in the groin or at the sides
• Tingling in the feet and hands
• Rashes

Some of the less serious side effects are:

• Change in taste perception, drowsiness, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Weakness, fatigue
• Anxiety
• Cephalalgia
• Increased skin sensitivity
• Worsening gout
• Problem in controlling blood sugar levels
• Hearing disorders
• Vision changes

The above mentioned side effects are by no means exhaustive, so for the complete list of adverse reactions and possible side effects please see the information provided by the drug manufacturer or consult a doctor or a pharmacist.

Interactions: It is very important to consult a doctor and apprise him of the treatment or medication you are currently under before taking Diacarb tablets. It is also very important to get a prescription from your doctor before starting any new drug. This is to make sure that the combination of the two drugs is safe. Some of the drugs that react with Diacarb tablets are:

• When Acetazolamide is taken with ithium preparrations such as Eskalith and Lithobid, they may react with each other to reduce the level of lithium in blood. So it is very important for a doctor to monitor the patient and adjust the dosage.
• Acetazolamide may also react with medicines containing magnesium salicylate, choline salicylate, salsalate and aspirin. So while taking these substances with acetazolamide the doctor should closely monitor the patient.
• Acetazolamide when used with diflunisal can increase the side effects of acetazolamide.
• Acetazolamide when taken with primidone can reduce the seizure controlling properties of this drug.
• Acetazolamide when taken with cyclosporine can increase the side effects of cyclosporine.

Additional Information: One is advised not to give Diacarb to any person without proper medical prescription. Do not take this medicine for any other type of health related complication. Keep the medicine and syringes away from children to avoid any problem.