Which adverse effects are commonly associated with Diamox (acetazolamide)?

Which adverse effects are commonly associated with Diamox (acetazolamide)?

• A. Tinnitus and deafness
• B. Insomnia and tremor
• C. Metabolic acidosis and metallic taste
• D. Hyperglycemia and weight gain

Answer: (C)

Diamox (acetazolamide) inhibits carbonic anhydrase in the proximal tubule, which reduces bicarbonate reabsorption. The resulting loss of bicarbonate in the urine leads to a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis and can be accompanied by related electrolyte disturbances. A commonly reported, distinctive side effect is a metallic taste (taste disturbance). This combination—metabolic acidosis and metallic taste—fits the drug’s mechanism and its well-known adverse effects. Other listed effects don’t align with acetazolamide’s typical profile (tinnitus/deafness, insomnia/t tremor, or hyperglycemia/weight gain are not characteristic).

Diamox (acetazolamide) inhibits carbonic anhydrase in the proximal tubule, which reduces bicarbonate reabsorption. The resulting loss of bicarbonate in the urine leads to a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis and can be accompanied by related electrolyte disturbances. A commonly reported, distinctive side effect is a metallic taste (taste disturbance). This combination—metabolic acidosis and metallic taste—fits the drug’s mechanism and its well-known adverse effects. Other listed effects don’t align with acetazolamide’s typical profile (tinnitus/deafness, insomnia/t tremor, or hyperglycemia/weight gain are not characteristic).