The Basics
What is Acetazolamide?
Used to treat glaucoma, epilepsy, altitude sickness, periodic paralysis, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and heart failure.
Brand names for Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide Tablets, Diamox Sequels
How Acetazolamide is classified
Anticonvulsants, Antiglaucoma Agents, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, Diuretics
Acetazolamide During Pregnancy
Acetazolamide pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Acetazolamide while pregnant
N/A
Taking Acetazolamide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Acetazolamide?
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of acetazolamide up to 1000 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of acetazolamide up to 1000 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Possible effects of Acetazolamide on milk supply
Possible alternatives to Acetazolamide
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Soderman P, Hartvig P, Fagerlund C. Acetazolamide excretion into human breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1984;17:599-600. Letter. PMID: 6733009
2. Merlob P, Litwin A, Mor N. Possible association between acetazolamide administration during pregnancy and metabolic disorders in the newborn. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1990;35:85-8. PMID: 2311821
3. Bedrosian L, Erzurumlu K, Levine LS. Acetazolamide (Diamox) in the inhibition of postpartum breast engorgement. N Y State J Med. 1957;57:3997-8. PMID: 13493780
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
