Dichlorphenamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase is a protein in your body. Dichlorphenamide reduces the activity of this protein.
Dichlorphenamide is used to treat glaucoma. By inhibiting the actions of carbonic anhydrase, dichlorphenamide reduces the amount of fluid produced in your eyes and therefore also reduces pressure.
Dichlorphenamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about dichlorphenamide
Call your doctor immediately if you experience a sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, tingling or tremors in your hands or feet, pain in your side or groin, or a rash. These symptoms could be early signs of a serious side effect.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dichlorphenamide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Dichlorphenamide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based drug such as sulfamethoxazole (e.g., Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol). Dichlorphenamide is also a sulfa-based drug, and you may have a similar reaction to it.
Before taking dichlorphenamide, tell your doctor if you
are on aspirin therapy,
have liver disease,
have kidney disease,
have heart disease,
have lung disease, or
have a hormonal disease.
You may not be able to take dichlorphenamide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Dichlorphenamide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether dichlorphenamide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take dichlorphenamide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether dichlorphenamide passes into breast milk. Do not take dichlorphenamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Dichlorphenamide side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
a sore throat or a fever;
unusual bleeding or bruising;
side or groin pain;
tingling or tremors in your hands or feet; or
a rash.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take dichlorphenamide and talk to your doctor if you experience
decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or changes in taste;
drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, or weakness;
nervousness or tremor;
headache or confusion;
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight;
worsening gout;
loss of blood sugar control (if you are diabetic);
ringing in your ears or hearing problems; or
changes in your vision.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.n
Source: drugs.com