Acetazolamide for Horses - 250mg (per tablet) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis Treatment]

Acetazolamide is a diuretic (water pill) used to treat elevated potassium levels in horses with HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis), an inherited disease. Acetazolamide is also sometimes prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of glaucoma in dogs and cats.

Key Benefits

• easy-to-give tablet form
• Treatment for hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
• diuretic that may also be used to treat glaucoma
• for dogs, cats and horses

How It Works

Acetazolamide Tablets are used to treat hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) in horses. This type of periodic paralysis is characterized by hyperkalemia, or an increased level of potassium in the blood. As a diuretic agent, Acetazolamide Tablets work by ridding the body of excess fluid, along with certain minerals including potassium.

Indications

Acetazolamide has been used principally in veterinary medicine for its diuretic action and itseffects on aqueous humor production in the treatment of glaucoma and metabolic alkalosis. It may beuseful as an adjunctive treatment for syringomyelia in dogs. Acetazolamide's use in small animals iscomplicated by a relatively high occurrence of adverse effects.

In horses, acetazolamide is used as a preventive and/or treatment for HYPP.

In humans, the drug has been used as adjunctive therapy for epilepsy and for acute high-altitudesickness.

Acetazolamide Tablets are given by mouth. May be given with food to decrease stomach upset. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Monitoring:

• Intraocular pressure tonometry (if used for glaucoma).
• Blood gases if used for alkalosis.Serum electrolytes.
• Baseline CBC with differential and periodic retests if using chronically.
• Other adverse effects.

Client Information

• Most common side effect is stomach upset; giving with food may help reduce this effect.
• Contact veterinarian immediately if unusual panting or rapid breathing, weakness, staggering,behavior changes, tremors or seizures (convulsions) are seen.
• Horses must have access to water and food while taking this medication.
• Patients will need ongoing lab tests while on this medicine.

Cautions:

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Use with caution in pets suffering from abnormal electrolyte levels, angle closure glaucoma, diabetes, hepatic disease, pulmonary obstructed disorders, or renal disease.Use with caution if your pet is pregnant or nursing. Do not use acetazolamide in pets with a known allergy to sulfonamide. This drug may interact with some other medications. Therefore, inform your veterinarian of any and all medications your pet may be taking. This is especially important if your pet is currently taking aspirin, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, digoxin, insulin, or phenobarbital.

Storage:

Acetazolamide tablets should be stored at roomtemperature.

Possible side effects:

Adverse reactions and serious side effects are rare, however, they can occur. In the case of a more serious reaction, seek immediate veterinary attention. Signs of an adverse reaction or serious side effect can include changes in behavior, rapid breathing, drowsiness, ataxia, tremor, urticaria/pruritus, rash, photosensitivity, vomiting, diarrhea, bone marrow depression, hematuria, renal calculi, crystalluria, polyuria, phosphaturia, weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, and hepatic insufficiency. Intraocular pressure should be monitored when treating glaucoma. Electrolytes and blood gases should be monitored when treating metabolic acidosis.

Precautions:

Acetazolamide should be used with caution in patients with severe respiratory acidosis or those with preexisting hematologic abnormalities. Decreased exercise capacity, hypercapnia, and respiratory acidosis may occur in healthy horses during exercise with chronic, high dose administration. Use of acetazolamide with antibacterial sulfonamides or furosemide may cause cross sensitivities

This drug is FDA-approved for human use. However, it is common practice for veterinarians to prescribe such drugs for use in dogs, cats & horses.