Which of the following is a potential severe adverse effect of Diamox?

Which of the following is a potential severe adverse effect of Diamox?

• A. Ototoxicity
• B. Rash
• C. Bone marrow suppression
• D. Optic neuritis

Answer: (C)

Diamox (acetazolamide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used in glaucoma, and while many of its effects are metabolic (like metabolic acidosis and electrolyte changes) and related to diuresis, it can rarely cause suppression of the bone marrow. Bone marrow suppression is a serious, potentially life‑threatening adverse effect that may present with fatigue, pallor, increased infections, easy bruising, or abnormal blood counts. Because of this risk, stopping the drug and monitoring blood counts if symptoms or lab abnormalities appear is important. Other listed adverse effects are less characteristic for Diamox’s severe toxicity: ototoxicity is more typical of certain loop diuretics or other drugs, a rash can occur but is not as severe a risk, and optic neuritis isn’t a known association with acetazolamide.

Diamox (acetazolamide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used in glaucoma, and while many of its effects are metabolic (like metabolic acidosis and electrolyte changes) and related to diuresis, it can rarely cause suppression of the bone marrow. Bone marrow suppression is a serious, potentially life‑threatening adverse effect that may present with fatigue, pallor, increased infections, easy bruising, or abnormal blood counts. Because of this risk, stopping the drug and monitoring blood counts if symptoms or lab abnormalities appear is important. Other listed adverse effects are less characteristic for Diamox’s severe toxicity: ototoxicity is more typical of certain loop diuretics or other drugs, a rash can occur but is not as severe a risk, and optic neuritis isn’t a known association with acetazolamide.