Immediately call your local emergency number (911 in the US, 999 in the UK, etc.) or go to the nearest hospital.
Provide the medical professionals with the following information:
- The amount of acetazolamide ingested. The time of ingestion. Any other medications or substances taken. The patient’s age, weight, and medical history.
Medical professionals will likely induce vomiting or use activated charcoal to absorb the acetazolamide. Intravenous fluids may be administered to correct electrolyte imbalances. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, is critical.
Symptoms of an acetazolamide overdose can include:
| Numbness and tingling | Primarily in extremities |
| Drowsiness and confusion | Progressing to coma in severe cases |
| Rapid breathing | Due to metabolic acidosis |
| Muscle weakness | Potentially leading to paralysis |
| Electrolyte imbalances | Including hypokalemia (low potassium) and hyponatremia (low sodium) |
Treatment focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms. The prognosis for acetazolamide overdose generally depends on the amount ingested and the timeliness of treatment. Early intervention significantly improves the outcome.
