DRUG NAME ACTION INDICATION CONTRAINDICATION & SIDE/ADVERSE EFFECTS NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

CAUTIONS
Generic Name: Reduces formation of  To treat Contraindications: CNS: BEFORE:
acetazolamide hydrogen and chronic  Hypersensitivity  Ataxia  Assess affected pupil for dilation,
bicarbonate ions by simple (open- to sulphonamides  Confusion response to light. Question
Brand Names: inhibiting the enzyme angle)  severe  Depression potential for eye discomfort,
Diamox, Diamox Sequels carbonic anhydrase. glaucoma. renal/hepatic  Disorientation decrease in visual acuity
Therapeutic Effect:  As short-term disease  Dizziness  Monitor blood tests during
Available forms: Increases excretion of therapy to  adrenal  Fatigue acetazolamide therapy to detect
tablet sodium, potassium, treat insufficiency  Fever electrolyte imbalances.
 125mg bicarbonate, water in secondary  hypochloremic  flaccid paralysis  Reconstitute each 500-mg vial with
 250mg kidney; decreases glaucoma and acidosis,  headache at least 5 ml sterile water for
powder for injection formation of aqueous preoperatively hypokalemia  lassitude injection. Use within 24 hours
 500mg humor in eye; retards to treat acute  hyponatremia  malaise because drug has no preservative.
capsule, extended-release abnormal discharge congestive  Long term  paresthesia
 500mg from CNS neurons. (closed-angle) administration in  seizures DURING:
glaucoma patients with  tremor  Monitor for acidosis (headache,
Dosages/Routes:  To induce chronic lethargy progressing to drowsiness,
IV: diuresis in noncongestion EENT: CNS depression, Kussmaul’s
ADULTS, ELDERLY: 250–500 heart failure angle-closure  Altered taste respiration).
mg; may repeat in 2–4 hrs to glaucoma.  Tinnitus
a maximum of 1 g/ day. AFTER:
 transient myopia
CHILDREN: 5–10 mg/kg q6h. Cautions:  Observe tingling/tremor in hands
Maximum: 1 g a day.  Diabetes mellitus GI:
or feet, unusual bleeding or
 Gout  Anorexia
bruising, unexplained fever, sore
PO:  obstructive throat, flank pain.
 Constipation
ADULTS, ELDERLY: 250 mg pulmonary  Monitor electrolyte levels.
 Diarrhea
1–4 times a day. CHILDREN: disease  Increase fluid intake of the patient
 melena
8–30 mg/kg/day in divided  respiratory to prevent urine crystals/stone
 nausea
doses q8h. acidosis formation.
 vomiting  Monitor signs of hyperglycemia,
 Moderate renal
impairment. including confusion,
GU: drowsiness, flushed, dry skin,
 Crystalluria fruit-like breath odor,
 Glycosuria
  hematuria, rapid/deep breathing, polyuria,
 phosphaturia loss of appetite; and unusual
 polyuria thirst. Insulin dosages may need
 renal calculi to be adjusted to prevent
 renal colic repeated episodes of
 urinary frequency hyperglycemia.
 Monitor fluid intake and output
 HEME: every 8 hours and body weight
Agranulocytosis daily to detect excessive fluid
 hemolytic anemia and weight loss.
 leukopenia  Advise the patient’s parents to
 pancytopenia let their daughter use sunscreen
 thrombocytopenia and wear protective clothing to
 thrombocytopenic prevent photosensitivity
purpura reactions.
 Monitor any changes in vision
SKIN: to help document drug
 Photosensitivity effectiveness in decreasing
 Pruritus glaucoma.
 Rash
 Stevens-Johnson
syndrome
 urticaria

Other:
 Acidosis
 hyperuricemia
 Hypokalemia
 weight loss