Diamox & Hypokalemia

Diamox is a prescription medication used to treat a number of conditions, primarily those that cause an increase in body fluid. A side effect of Diamox, which is a diuretic, is that it may cause hypokalemia, or low potassium. Potassium is a critical substance that is kept at the appropriate level in the body through proper nutrition. When diseases or medications affect that level, though, the resulting damage can be severe.

Diamox Background

• Diamox, the brand name for the drug acetazolamide, is a prescription diuretic that reduces the buildup of fluid in the body that can be related to a number of different conditions. Diamox is commonly used in the treatment of a certain type glaucoma, where it prevents the buildup of fluid in the eye, and as part of a treat program for congestive heart failure, where it is used to prevent edema, or the buildup of fluid throughout in the body. Treatment of altitude sickness is also a common use of Diamox, where it reduces the adverse effects of climbing quickly to high altitude.

Hypokalemia Background

• Hypokalemia is another name for low potassium, and occurs when the level of potassium in the blood drops for some reason. Potassium is brought into the body by eating and any excess is removed by the kidneys. The proper amount of potassium is critical for the function of nerve and muscle cells in the body. One of the first symptoms of hypokalemia is an irregular heartbeat along with constipation, fatigue and muscle aches and cramps. Paralysis and kidney damage can occur if the condition is left untreated. If hypokalemia is severe enough, it can lead to death.

How Diamox Causes Hypokalemia

• Diamox is a diuretic, which means it increases the excretion of water from the body through urination. When urination increases, the potassium level that is kept in balance by the kidneys is thrown off and the kidneys excrete too much potassium. Unless the potassium is replaced, hypokalemia may occur.

Other Causes of Hypokalemia

• Anything that leads to the release of potassium from the body can cause hypokalemia, including certain drugs, diarrhea, and diseases affecting the kidneys. Even excess vomiting and perspiration can lead to hypokalemia.

Avoiding Hypokalemia When Taking Diamox

• Eating foods that have a high potassium content is the best way to avoid hypokalemia. Some foods containing large amounts of potassium are bananas, oranges, milk, lima beans, peas, beans, tomatoes and bran. There are also potassium supplements available to use if any symptoms of hypokalemia appear when taking Diamox. The supplements are given in oral form for mild hypokalemia and as an intravenous injection if the case is more severe. As an alternative to treating hypokalemia, there are several diuretics that do not result in a loss of potassium. These are especially important for patients with heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease or who are at risk for hypokalemia for any other reason.