Diacarb is available in tablet form. The active substance of the drug is acetazolamide (250 mg in 1 tablet), which belongs to the group of diuretic drugs.
The pharmacological action of "Diacarb" is based on the ability to inhibit carbonic anhydrase. Acetazolamide has a diuretic effect, increases urinary excretion of ions (sodium, potassium, bicarbonate). "Diacarb," the instruction indicates, does not affect the amount of chlorine ions in the urine, shifts the pH level of the urine upward. Metabolic acidosis depends on the concentration of acetazolamide in the body . By inhibiting carbonic anhydrase, Diacarb reduces the release of aqueous humor and lowers intraocular pressure. The drug has an anticonvulsant effect, inhibiting the activity of carbonic anhydrase directly in the brain.
"Diacarb," the instruction indicates, is absorbed by red blood cells, kidneys, muscles, eyeball tissues, and the central nervous system. In the process of metabolism, the active substance reacts with plasma proteins, has penetration through the placenta.
Acetazolamide does not form on its own in the body.
"Diacarb", indications for use
The drug is prescribed:
with edematous syndrome, with mild or moderate severity, with alkalosis;
with glaucoma in primary or secondary form, during an acute attack;
with epilepsy, "Diacarb" is introduced into the complex therapy;
with mountain sickness.
The dosage of the drug is determined by the doctor depending on the condition of the patient and the type of disease.
"Diacarb", instructions for side effects
The central and peripheral nervous system in rare cases reacts to the drug by the appearance of convulsions, paresthesias, tinnitus, myopia; as a result of prolonged use, occasionally there have been cases of disorientation, impaired touch, drowsiness.
In the work of the hematopoietic system, changes were observed in isolated cases that arose as a result of prolonged use, which manifested as hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis.
Perhaps a violation of water-electrolyte metabolism, acid-base environment, expressed: hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis.
"Diacarb", the use of which is of a prolonged nature, can provoke in some cases a violation in the functioning of the urinary system, which is manifested by nephrolithiasis, transient hematuria and glucosuria.
The digestive system is sometimes at risk of anorexia, and with prolonged use, patients complained of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Dermatological allergic reactions are manifested by flushing of the skin, itching, urticaria.
In some cases, muscle weakness arose.
"Diacarb", instructions for contraindications
It is forbidden to prescribe the drug:
in acute renal failure;
liver failure;
hypokalemia;
acidosis;
hypocorticism;
Addison's disease;
uremia
diabetes mellitus;
pregnancy
in the lactation period;
with increased sensitivity to one of the components of the drug.
To prescribe "Diacarb" for edema of hepatic and renal origin should be careful. Close supervision of the attending physician is necessary when a combination of acetazolamide with acetylsalicylic acid in high concentration.
"Diacarb", the instruction indicates, has special instructions for the appointment. If the drug is used in the treatment of the patient for more than five days, then there is a risk of metabolic acidosis.
When prescribing the drug for a long course of treatment, it is necessary to monitor peripheral blood tests, indicators of water-electrolyte metabolism, and the balance of the acid-base environment.
Diacarb, used in high doses, causes signs of drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and disorientation. Therefore, during treatment, patients are not recommended to control the mechanisms and transport.