Acetazolamide helps manage the symptoms of hyperkalemic
periodic paralysis, or HYPP, including localized and generalized shaking,
weakness, trembling, respiratory noises, and paralysis that may lead
to cardiac arrest, collapse, and sudden death. Use of this medication,
especially in combination with proper diet and regular exercise, improves
quality of life for your animal.
Benefits of Acetazolamide:
- Improves symptoms of HYPP, such as weakness, shaking,
and trembling
- Reduces risk of potentially fatal complications of
HYPP
- Relieves intraocular pressure in glaucoma cases
- Well tolerated by most horses
- Tablets are easy to administer
- Improves length and quality of life
Use this medication only as directed by your veterinarian.
Read product labels carefully. Do not allow children
to handle or administer this medication.
Your veterinarian will inform you of the correct
dosing amount and schedule for your individual animal. Follow those
instructions exactly.
Directions:
- Give by mouth, with or without food. Giving with
food may decrease stomach discomfort.
- Give cats 3.5 mg per pound of body weight every 8
hours to treat glaucoma.
- Give dogs 3.5 to 5 mg per pound of body weight every
8 hours to treat glaucoma.
- Monitor ocular pressure during therapy for glaucoma.
- Dose horses with HYPP at the amount prescribed by
your veterinarian. Doses vary widely.
- Offer continuous access to water.
Frequency of Use:
The duration of therapy depends on the individual
animal's response and the condition being treated. Do not stop giving
this medication until your veterinarian instructs you to do so, even
if symptoms clear up before treatment is completed.
Storage:
Store Acetazolamide at room temperature, in a childproof
container. Keep away from light and out of reach of pets and children.
Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink.
It is a violation of Federal
Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
Acetazolamide is a diuretic medication that treats
hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, or HYPP, in horses. HYPP occurs when
a genetic defect disrupts a protein responsible for opening and closing
a gateway in the membrane of muscle cells. This allows uncontrolled
sodium influxes to take place and alters the voltage current of muscle
cells, resulting in muscle weakness or twitching. High levels of blood
potassium are typically present when the protein disruption occurs.
Acetazolamide belongs to a class of medications called carbonic anhydrase
inhibitors.
Active Ingredients: Acetazolamide 250 mg
Warnings:
Keep this product out of reach of children and animals.
Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.
Acetazolamide is intended for use in horses, cats,
and dogs only. Not for use in humans.
CAUTION: This medication has the potential
to produce hypokalemia in some animals.
Do not use Acetazolamide in animals with acidemia.
Use cautiously in animals that are sensitive to sulfonamide drugs.
Acetazolamide is not for use in animals with kidney
or liver disease, Addison's disease, lung disease, breathing problems,
or low sodium or potassium levels.
Although side effects in horses are not common, Acetazolamide
may cause numerous side effects in dogs and cats undergoing treatment
for glaucoma. These side effects may include staggering, behavioral
changes, sleepiness, confusion, excitability, confusion, anemia, weakness,
lethargy, pale gum, and bleeding tendencies. Rash, bladder stones, and
changes in urination are also possible.
Consult your veterinarian before beginning treatment
if your animal is taking phenytoin, procainamide, insulin, corticosteroids,
quinidine, amphotericin B, corticotrophin, other diuretics, or digoxin.
Interactions are possible.
Do not use this medication in animals with a known
allergy to it or to similar medications.