Label: ACETAZOLAMIDE capsule

  • NDC Code(s): 70710-1591-0, 70710-1591-1, 70710-1591-3, 70710-1591-4, view more
    70710-1591-5, 70710-1591-9
  • Packager: Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc.
  • Category: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL

Drug Label Information

Updated October 8, 2024

If you are a healthcare professional or from the pharmaceutical industry please visit this version.

  • DESCRIPTION:

    Acetazolamide Extended-release Capsules USP are an inhibitor of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

    Acetazolamide, USP is a white to faintly yellowish white, crystalline odorless powder, sparingly soluble in practically boiling water, slightly soluble in alcohol, very slightly soluble in water. The chemical name for acetazolamide is N-(5-Sulfamoyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) acetamide and has the following chemical structure:

    figure

    MW 222.25                                 C4H6N4O3S2

    Each acetazolamide extended-release capsule, USP intended for oral administration contains 500 mg of acetazolamide. In addition, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, iron oxide yellow, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc and titanium dioxide. Each capsule is printed with black pharmaceutical ink which contains black iron oxide, butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac and strong ammonia solution.

    Meets USP Dissolution Test 3.

  • CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:

    Acetazolamide is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, effective in the control of fluid secretion (e.g., some types of glaucoma), in the treatment of certain convulsive disorders (e.g., epilepsy), and in the promotion of diuresis in instances of abnormal fluid retention (e.g., cardiac edema).

    Acetazolamide is not a mercurial diuretic. Rather, it is a non-bacteriostatic sulfonamide possessing a chemical structure and pharmacological activity distinctly different from the bacteriostatic sulfonamides.

    Acetazolamide is an enzyme inhibitor that acts specifically on carbonic anhydrase, the enzyme that catalyzes the reversible reaction involving the hydration of carbon dioxide and the dehydration of carbonic acid. In the eye, this inhibitory action of acetazolamide decreases the secretion of aqueous humor and results in a drop in intraocular pressure, a reaction considered desirable in cases of glaucoma and even in certain non-glaucomatous conditions. Evidence seems to indicate that acetazolamide has utility as an adjuvant in treatment of certain dysfunctions of the central nervous system (e.g., epilepsy). Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in this area appears to retard abnormal, paroxysmal, excessive discharge from central nervous system neurons. The diuretic effect of acetazolamide is due to its action in the kidney on the reversible reaction involving hydration of carbon dioxide and dehydration of carbonic acid. The result is renal loss of HCO3 ion, which carries out sodium, water, and potassium. Alkalinization of the urine and promotion of diuresis are thus affected. Alteration in ammonia metabolism occurs due to increased reabsorption of ammonia by the renal tubules as a result of urinary alkalinization.

    Acetazolamide extended-release capsules provide prolonged action to inhibit aqueous humor secretion for 18 to 24 hours after each dose, whereas tablets act for only eight to 12 hours. The prolonged continuous effect of acetazolamide permits a reduction in dosage frequency.

    Plasma concentrations of acetazolamide peak from three to six hours after administration of acetazolamide extended-release capsules, compared to one to four hours with tablets. Food does not affect bioavailability of acetazolamide extended-release capsules.

    Placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that prophylactic administration of acetazolamide at a dose of 250 mg every eight to 12 hours (or a 500 mg controlled release capsule once daily) before and during rapid ascent to altitude results in fewer and/or less severe symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) such as headache, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Pulmonary function (e.g., minute ventilation, expired vital capacity, and peak flow) is greater in the acetazolamide treated group, both in subjects with AMS and asymptomatic subjects. The acetazolamide treated climbers also had less difficulty in sleeping.

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE:

    For adjunctive treatment of: chronic simple (open-angle) glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and preoperatively in acute angle-closure glaucoma where delay of surgery is desired in order to lower intraocular pressure. Acetazolamide extended-release capsules are also indicated for the prevention or amelioration of symptoms associated with acute mountain sickness despite gradual ascent.

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS:

    Hypersensitivity to acetazolamide or any excipients in the formulation. Since acetazolamide is a sulfonamide derivative, cross sensitivity between acetazolamide, sulfonamides and other sulfonamide derivatives is possible.

    Acetazolamide therapy is contraindicated in situations in which sodium and/or potassium blood serum levels are depressed, in cases of marked kidney and liver disease or dysfunction, in suprarenal gland failure, and in hyperchloremic acidosis. It is contraindicated in patients with cirrhosis because of the risk of development of hepatic encephalopathy.

    Long-term administration of acetazolamide is contraindicated in patients with chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma since it may permit organic closure of the angle to occur while the worsening glaucoma is masked by lowered intraocular pressure.

  • WARNINGS:

    Fatalities have occurred, although rarely, due to severe reactions to sulfonamides including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, anaphylaxis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and other blood dyscrasias. Sensitizations may recur when a sulfonamide is readministered irrespective of the route of administration. If signs of hypersensitivity or other serious reactions occur, discontinue use of this drug.

    Caution is advised for patients receiving concomitant high-dose aspirin and acetazolamide, as anorexia, tachypnea, lethargy, metabolic acidosis, coma, and death have been reported.

  • PRECAUTIONS:

    General

    Increasing the dose does not increase the diuresis and may increase the incidence of drowsiness and/or paresthesia. Increasing the dose often results in a decrease in diuresis. Under certain circumstances, however, very large doses have been given in conjunction with other diuretics in order to secure diuresis in complete refractory failure.

    Choroidal effusion and choroidal detachment have been reported after the use of acetazolamide in the post-operative period following ophthalmic surgery. Discontinue acetazolamide if choroidal effusion and/or choroidal detachment is suspected.

    Information for Patients

    Adverse reactions common to all sulfonamide derivatives may occur: anaphylaxis, fever, rash (including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), crystalluria, renal calculus, bone marrow depression, thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, and agranulocytosis. Caution is advised for early detection of such reactions and the drug should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

    In patients with pulmonary obstruction or emphysema where alveolar ventilation may be impaired, acetazolamide which may precipitate or aggravate acidosis should be used with caution. Gradual ascent is desirable to try to avoid acute mountain sickness. If rapid ascent is undertaken and acetazolamide is used, it should be noted that such use does not obviate the need for prompt descent if severe forms of high altitude sickness occur, i.e., high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema.

    Caution is advised for patients receiving concomitant high-dose aspirin and acetazolamide, as anorexia, tachypnea, lethargy, metabolic acidosis, coma, and death have been reported (see WARNINGS).

    Both increases and decreases in blood glucose have been described in patients treated with acetazolamide. This should be taken into consideration in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus.

    Acetazolamide treatment may cause electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia and hypokalemia, as well as metabolic acidosis. Therefore, periodic monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended. Particular caution is recommended in patients with conditions that are associated with, or predispose a patient to, electrolyte and acid/base imbalances, such as patients with impaired renal function (including elderly patients; see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use), patients with diabetes mellitus, and patients with impaired alveolar ventilation.

    Some adverse reactions to acetazolamide, such as drowsiness, fatigue, and myopia, may impair the ability to drive and operate machinery.

    Laboratory Tests

    To monitor for hematologic reactions common to all sulfonamides, it is recommended that a baseline CBC and platelet count be obtained on patients prior to initiating acetazolamide therapy and at regular intervals during therapy. If significant changes occur, early discontinuance and institution of appropriate therapy are important. Periodic monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended.

    Drug Interactions

    Aspirin - See WARNINGS

    Acetazolamide modifies phenytoin metabolism with increased serum levels of phenytoin. This may increase or enhance the occurrence of osteomalacia in some patients receiving chronic phenytoin therapy. Caution is advised in patients receiving chronic concomitant therapy. By decreasing the gastrointestinal absorption of primidone, acetazolamide may decrease serum concentrations of primidone and its metabolites, with a consequent possible decrease in anticonvulsant effect. Caution is advised when beginning, discontinuing, or changing the dose of acetazolamide in patients receiving primidone.

    Because of possible additive effects with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, concomitant use is not advisable.

    Acetazolamide may increase the effects of other folic acid antagonists.

    Acetazolamide decreases urinary excretion of amphetamine and may enhance the magnitude and duration of their effect.

    Acetazolamide reduces urinary excretion of quinidine and may enhance its effect.

    Acetazolamide may prevent the urinary antiseptic effect of methenamine.

    Acetazolamide increases lithium excretion and the lithium may be decreased.

    Acetazolamide and sodium bicarbonate used concurrently increase the risk of renal calculus formation.

    Acetazolamide may elevate cyclosporine levels.

    Drug/laboratory test interactions

    Sulfonamides may give false negative or decreased values for urinary phenolsulfonphthalein and phenol red elimination values for urinary protein, serum non-protein, and serum uric acid. Acetazolamide may produce an increased level of crystals in the urine.

    Acetazolamide interferes with the HPLC method of assay for theophylline. Interference with the theophylline assay by acetazolamide depends on the solvent used in the extraction; acetazolamide may not interfere with other assay methods for theophylline.

    Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Long-term studies in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of acetazolamide have not been conducted. In a bacterial mutagenicity assay, acetazolamide was not mutagenic when evaluated with and without metabolic activation.

    The drug had no effect on fertility when administered in the diet to male and female rats at a daily intake of up to 4 times the recommended human dose of 1000 mg in a 50 kg individual.

    Pregnancy: Teratogenic effects

    Acetazolamide, administered orally or parenterally, has been shown to be teratogenic (defects of the limbs) in mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Acetazolamide should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

    Nursing Mothers

    Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from acetazolamide, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Acetazolamide should only be used by nursing women if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the child.

    Pediatric Use

    The safety and effectiveness of acetazolamide extended-release capsules in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established. Growth retardation has been reported in children receiving long-term therapy, believed secondary to chronic acidosis.

    Geriatric Use

    Metabolic acidosis, which can be severe, may occur in the elderly with reduced renal function.

    In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS:

    Body as a whole: 

    Headache, malaise, fatigue, fever, pain at injection site, flushing, growth retardation in children, flaccid paralysis, anaphylaxis.

    Digestive: 

    Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

    Hematological/Lymphatic: 

    Blood dyscrasias such as aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, melena.

    Hepato-biliary disorders: 

    Abnormal liver function, cholestatic jaundice, hepatic insufficiency, fulminant hepatic necrosis.

    Metabolic/Nutritional: 

    Metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalance, including hypokalemia, hyponatremia, osteomalacia with long-term phenytoin therapy, loss of appetite, taste alteration, hyper/hypoglycemia.

    Nervous: 

    Drowsiness, paresthesia (including numbness and tingling of extremities and face), depression, excitement, ataxia, confusion, convulsions, dizziness.

    Skin: 

    Allergic skin reactions including urticaria, photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

    Otologic: 

    Hearing disturbances, tinnitus.

    Eye Disorders:

    Choroidal effusion, choroidal detachment, transient myopia. Transient myopia is the result of forward movement of the ciliary body leading to a narrowing of the angle.

    Urogenital: 

    Crystalluria, increased risk of nephrolithiasis with long-term therapy, hematuria, glycosuria, renal failure, polyuria.

  • OVERDOSAGE:

    No specific antidote is known. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.

    Electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidotic state, and central nervous system effects might be expected to occur. Serum electrolyte levels (particularly potassium) and blood pH levels should be monitored.

    Supportive measures are required to restore electrolyte and pH balance. The acidotic state can usually be corrected by the administration of bicarbonate.

    Despite its high intraerythrocytic distribution and plasma protein binding properties, acetazolamide may be dialyzable. This may be particularly important in the management of acetazolamide overdosage when complicated by the presence of renal failure.

  • DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:

    Glaucoma

    The recommended dosage is 1 capsule (500 mg) two times a day. Usually 1 capsule is administered in the morning and 1 capsule in the evening. It may be necessary to adjust the dose, but it has usually been found that dosage in excess of 2 capsules (1 g) does not produce an increased effect. The dosage should be adjusted with careful individual attention both to symptomatology and intraocular tension. In all cases, continuous supervision by a physician is advisable.

    In those unusual instances where adequate control is not obtained by the twice-a-day administration of acetazolamide extended-release capsules, the desired control may be established by means of acetazolamide (tablets or parenteral). Use tablets or parenteral in accordance with the more frequent dosage schedules recommended for these dosage forms, such as 250 mg every four hours, or an initial dose of 500 mg followed by 250 mg or 125 mg every four hours, depending on the case in question.

    Acute Mountain Sickness

    Dosage is 500 mg to 1000 mg daily, in divided doses using tablets or extended-release capsules as appropriate. In circumstances of rapid ascent, such as in rescue or military operations, the higher dose level of 1000 mg is recommended. It is preferable to initiate dosing 24 to 48 hours before ascent and to continue for 48 hours while at high altitude, or longer as necessary to control symptoms.

  • HOW SUPPLIED:

    Acetazolamide Extended-release Capsules USP, 500 mg are white to off white pellets filled in size "00el" empty hard gelatin capsules with opaque yellow colored cap imprinted with "XYL" in black ink and opaque white colored body imprinted with "34" in black ink and are supplied as follows:

    NDC 70710-1591-3 in bottles of 30 capsules with child-resistant closure

    NDC 70710-1591-9 in bottles of 90 capsules with child-resistant closure

    NDC 70710-1591-1 in bottles of 100 capsules with child-resistant closure

    NDC 70710-1591-5 in bottles of 500 capsules

    NDC 70710-1591-0 in bottles of 1000 capsules

    NDC 70710-1591-4 in unit-dose blister cartons of 100 (10 x 10) unit-dose capsules

    Storage

    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. 

    Dispense in a tight container (USP).

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. 

    Manufactured by:

    Zydus Lifesciences Ltd.

    Ahmedabad, India

    Distributed by:

    Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc.

    Pennington, NJ 08534

    Rev.: 10/24

  • PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    NDC 70710-1591-01 in bottles of 100 capsules

    Acetazolamide Extended-release Capsules, USP 500 mg

    Rx only

    100 Capsules

    Zydus

    figure
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    ACETAZOLAMIDE 
    acetazolamide capsule
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:70710-1591
    Route of AdministrationORAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    ACETAZOLAMIDE (UNII: O3FX965V0I) (ACETAZOLAMIDE - UNII:O3FX965V0I) ACETAZOLAMIDE500 mg
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE (UNII: OP1R32D61U)  
    FERRIC OXIDE YELLOW (UNII: EX438O2MRT)  
    GELATIN (UNII: 2G86QN327L)  
    SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (UNII: 368GB5141J)  
    TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U)  
    TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)  
    Product Characteristics
    ColorYELLOW (opaque yellow) , WHITE (opaque white) Scoreno score
    ShapeCAPSULE (capsule) Size26mm
    FlavorImprint Code XYL;34
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC:70710-1591-330 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product05/08/2019
    2NDC:70710-1591-990 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product05/08/2019
    3NDC:70710-1591-1100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product05/08/2019
    4NDC:70710-1591-5500 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product05/08/2019
    5NDC:70710-1591-01000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product05/08/2019
    6NDC:70710-1591-410 in 1 CARTON05/08/2019
    610 in 1 BLISTER PACK; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA20530105/08/2019
    Labeler - Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. (156861945)
    Registrant - Zydus Lifesciences Limited (650199482)