Which dosage form of oral acetazolamide should be used in treatment of metabolic alkalosis?
Acetazolamide sustained release capsule (Diamox Sequels®) is the oral dosage form most commonly utilized for the treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma with the normal dose being 500 mg BID. When acetazolamide is used for the short term treatment of metabolic alkalosis, the 250 mg tablet (non-susutained release form) would be the preferred product. The tablet has a quicker onset of action and a shorter duration of action. This pharmacokinetic profile would be preferable in patients who require only 2-3 doses of oral acetazolamide. If the patient require chronic therapy a switch to the sustained release form would be reasonable for patient convenience and to insure compliance. After 4 weeks of therapy with Diamox Sequels® 500 mg BID versus acetazolamide 250mg tablets QID, steady state serum concentrations were essentially the same. Reference: • Drugdex 2003 Acetazolamide Therapeutic Uses • Diamox PPI- Wyeth Ayerst Laboratories 6). Q: What weight do you use when dosing drugs in obese p
