MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
Department of Pharmacy
Department of Nursing
Critical Care
| Generic Name: | Acetazolamide |
| Trade Name: | Diamox® |
| Action: | Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor which increases the excretion of Bicarbonate Ions |
| Indications: | Respiratory acidosis with metabolic
alkalosis Alternative anti-epileptic agent Increased intraocular and intracranial pressures |
| Administration Guidelines: | |
| Usual Dose and Route: | 125 - 500 mg IVP OVER 1 to 2 minutes not
to exceed 2 Grams IN 24 HOURS reconstitute each 500 mg vial with 5 ml of sterile water for injection resulting in a concentration of 100 mg / ml. Discard any unused portion. |
| Special Considerations: | - May increase insulin requirements in
diabetic patients - May cause renal calculi in patients with past history of calcium stones - Monitor serum and urinary electrolytes and arterial blood gases closely. - Tolerance to desired effects of acetazolamide occur in 2 to 3 days - Initial dose may produce marked diuresis. - Rare hypersensitivity reaction in patients with sulfa allergies |
| Precautions and Side Effects: | - False positive determination
of urinary protein as measured with ketostix
- Hypokalemia - Thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia - Increased urinary excretion of uric acid - Hyperglycemia |
revised 09/03