Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used for selected conditions including glaucoma, altitude illness prevention, raised intracranial pressure and some fluid or seizure disorders.
Key points
- The purpose and monitoring differ substantially between eye, altitude, neurological and fluid-related uses.
- Acetazolamide can alter potassium, sodium and acid-base balance and can promote kidney stones.
- A severe rash, breathing difficulty, confusion or marked weakness needs urgent assessment.
Select a listed product and pack to order online. Whether it suits you depends on the indication; ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important safety checks
Kidney and liver disease, electrolyte disorders, pregnancy, breathing problems and previous severe sulfonamide reactions require review. Tingling and taste changes can occur, but persistent weakness, vomiting or confusion may indicate a metabolic problem.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for a spreading or blistering rash, mouth sores, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, severe confusion, fainting, very little urine or sudden visual deterioration.
Further reading
What is acetazolamide used for?
Acetazolamide is used for some conditions including glaucoma, altitude illness prevention, raised pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure) and certain fluid or seizure disorders. Whether it suits you depends on the reason you need it, so ask a doctor or pharmacist.
How does acetazolamide work?
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. By blocking this enzyme in the eye, it reduces the production of aqueous humour, which lowers the pressure inside the eye. It also acts as a mild diuretic by reducing how much bicarbonate the kidneys reabsorb.
Which product contains acetazolamide?
The acetazolamide product on SGMeds is Diamox, and its page gives the strengths and pack sizes.
How long does acetazolamide take to work?
Acetazolamide starts to work in 1 to 2 hours and its effect lasts 8 to 12 hours.
What are the side effects of acetazolamide?
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness and tingling in the hands and feet. You may also pass more urine and notice a changed taste. A severe rash, breathing difficulty, confusion or marked weakness needs urgent medical help.
Can acetazolamide be taken with other medicines?
Acetazolamide can interact with topiramate and aspirin-type medicines (salicylates). Tell a doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take and they can check if anything needs adjusting.
What does acetazolamide cost in Singapore dollars?
The product on this page shows a price for each strength and pack size in Singapore dollars, converted from US dollars, so the exchange rate can change the final amount. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Can I buy acetazolamide over the counter in Singapore?
Yes, online. SGMeds does not ask for a prescription to order acetazolamide: we place the order with our pharmacy partner, which prepares it and arranges delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver acetazolamide to Singapore?
Yes. Parcels go to Singapore and Malaysia by Express shipping (tracked, up to 1 week) or Regular shipping (up to 3 weeks).
How ordering works →