acetazolamide

noun

ac·​et·​azol·​amide ˌa-sə-tə-ˈzō-lə-ˌmīd  -ˈzä- 

-məd

: a diuretic drug C₄H₆N₄O₃S₂ used especially in the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure and of glaucoma and in the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness

Examples of acetazolamide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just under half the HAPE climbers reported taking acetazolamide, a diuretic known to climbers under the brand name Diamox that helps ward off AMS. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 12 Mar. 2025

It is recommended only when acetazolamide is not effective or cannot be taken. —Brian Strickland, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2024

If started two days prior to going up to a high elevation, acetazolamide can prevent symptoms of acute illness by speeding up the acclimatization process. —Brian Strickland, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2024

You may be given acetazolamide (Diamox) to counteract tvhe increase in pressure. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 31 Aug. 2023

The most commonly prescribed medication for altitude sickness is Diamox, a name brand of the generic acetazolamide. —Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 June 2023

Other potential treatment options include the medication acetazolamide, which is used to treat glaucoma — a condition where the eyes experience an unhealthy increase in internal pressure. —Doug Adler, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2020

For instance, a medication called acetazolamide may be more effective than other types of migraine treatment in preventing attacks in people who have a CACNA1A-variant form of FHM5. —Madeleine Streets, SELF, 13 June 2022

Pack a high-altitude travel kit: Bring Ibuprofen for headaches, acetazolamide (brand name: Diamox) to help speed up acclimatization, carbohydrates that are easy to digest (think gummy bears or energy bars), sun protection, and a water bottle. —National Geographic, 5 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

acet- + azole + amide

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for acetazolamide

• nicotinamide
• sulfanilamide
• acrylamide
• procainamide
• sulfonamide
• sulphonamide
• amide
• polyacrylamide

Medical Definition

acetazolamide

noun

ac·​et·​azol·​amide ˌas-ət-ə-ˈzōl-ə-ˌmīd  -ˈzäl- 

-məd

: a diuretic drug C₄H₆N₄O₃S₂ used especially to treat glaucoma, control epileptic seizures, prevent or treat altitude sickness, and treat edema associated with congestive heart failure