The medicine "Diacarb" (Diacarb) is a synthetic drug that actively enhances urination. It is widely used as a diuretic if the patient has sodium retention in the body and edema of various origins.
Pharmacological properties
The main substance that is part of the drug is acetazolamide. It improves salt and water metabolism, while maintaining acid-base balance in the body. By the way, its use in epilepsy is especially effective.
The duration of the drug is 12 hours.
Tablets "Diacarb": indications for use
The described agent is prescribed for various diseases:
- with glaucoma of the primary and secondary types;
- as part of complex therapy for intracranial hypertension (in the case of a benign form of the disease or after surgery to bypass the ventricles of the brain);
- with edema resulting from cirrhosis of the liver or renal failure (however, it should be used very carefully in these cases);
- in the treatment of patients with heart disease (the drug mobilizes edematous fluid) and in cases of circulatory disorders;
- with gout;
- with bronchial asthma and emphysema (this tool reduces the pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood vessels);
- in a state of premenstrual tension (the main action of "Diakarba" in this case is sedative).
In which cases the use of the drug is contraindicated
Pay attention to the pathologies for which treatment with Diacarb is not recommended:
- the drug can be dangerous in acute forms of renal and liver failure;
- contraindications include diabetes mellitus, hypokalemia, hypocorticism, uremia, Addison's disease, acidosis;
- it should not be taken during pregnancy (in the first trimester) and breastfeeding;
- the product is not recommended for children under 3 years of age, as well as for individual sensitivity to its main active substance.
The drug is not used in parallel with ammonium chloride because of the possibility of inhibition of the action of acetazolamide.
Methods of taking the drug "Diacarb" for various diseases
As a diuretic, these tablets are prescribed from 0.25 to 0.50 g orally once a day or every other day. The course lasts from two to four days. At the same time, increased urination is manifested already a couple of hours after taking the medicine, after 6 hours it reaches its peak and lasts no more than 14 hours.
For the treatment of cardiac edema, inside take no more than 1 tablet (rarely - 2), once a day. The course of admission lasts no more than 4 days with interruptions of several days. Remember that with frequent use, the diuretic effect is greatly reduced, and an increase in dosage does not lead to the expected result.
For glaucoma, ½ to 1 tablet will help you up to three times a day. Moreover, the drug is often combined with miotic agents. After a five-day course, take a break for a couple of days.
In epilepsy, the drug is prescribed in doses from 0.125 g to 0.50 g up to 3 times a day for a long time.
Please note that when skipping the next dose, you should not subsequently increase the single dose.
As expressed side effect of the drug "Diacarb"
Indications for use of the drug do not exclude the possibility of its side effects. As a rule, the described tool due to low toxicity is well tolerated by the body. Quite rare cases of intolerance can be the result of a strong excess of doses or a long period of use.
So, from the side of the central nervous system, the following disorders can be noted: paresthesia (tingling in the limbs, a feeling of goosebumps, slight numbness), a feeling of tiredness and drowsiness. Sometimes there are also hearing impairments (or tinnitus), weakening of touch, disorientation, flaccid paralysis. Encephalopathy is also possible.
Side effect of the drug "Diacarb" is sometimes expressed in problems with the digestive system, namely: a decrease in appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, as well as taste disorders.
Allergic reactions are sometimes observed, expressed by urticaria or polymorphic erythema.
In isolated cases, patients with prolonged use of this drug have leukopenia, bone marrow damage, or hemolytic anemia.
The ability to drive vehicles or other mechanisms
When using large doses of Diacarb tablets, patients may show drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and disorientation. This, of course, makes it impossible to control vehicles or mechanisms due to the risk to the patient's life.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Accurate clinical studies of the results of taking the drug "Diacarb" in pregnant women have not been conducted. However, doctors are of the opinion about the danger of its use in the first three months of pregnancy. With the further development of the fetus (from the 3rd to the 9th month), this remedy should be prescribed with caution and only when the benefits of its use for the mother significantly exceed the risk for the fetus.
Since acetazolamide is excreted together with breast milk, if necessary, the appointment of this drug should stop breast-feeding.
Do I need any diet while taking the medicine?
Long-term treatment with Diakarb, the indications for the use of which we are considering today, requires a special diet (especially for elderly people).
Foods consumed at this time must be rich in potassium. These include oatmeal, baked potatoes, vegetables - beets and carrots. Beans, peas, beans, as well as peanuts, dried apricots, raisins and prunes will help restore potassium metabolism. Bananas, peaches and oranges are very useful in this case.
Additional Information
Before using the described drug, a specialist consultation is necessary. Only a doctor can determine the correct dosage and treatment methods with Diakarb. Indications for use described in the article are intended only for general acquaintance with the principles of action of the drug.