Acetazolamide

HYPP Medications for Horses

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:

1. Give by mouth, with or without food. Giving with food may decrease stomach discomfort.
2. Give cats 3.5 mg per pound of body weight every 8 hours to treat glaucoma.
3. Give dogs 3.5 to 5 mg per pound of body weight every 8 hours to treat glaucoma.
4. Monitor ocular pressure during therapy for glaucoma.
5. Dose horses with HYPP at the amount prescribed by your veterinarian. Doses vary widely.
6. 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.