Generic Name: dichlorphenamide (dye klor FEN a mide)
Brand Names: Daranide
What is dichlorphenamide?
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.
What is the most important information I should know 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dichlorphenamide?
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.
How should I take dichlorphenamide?
Take dichlorphenamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Store dichlorphenamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a dichlorphenamide overdose include drowsiness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness or tingling, shaking, and ringing in the ears.
What should I avoid while taking dichlorphenamide?
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.
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.
What other drugs will affect dichlorphenamide?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Cyclosporine may have more side effects if it is taken with dichlorphenamide.
primidone (Mysoline). Primidone may not be as effective if it is taken with dichlorphenamide, and seizure control may be reduced.
diflunisal (Dolobid). Diflunisal may increase both the activity and the side effects of dichlorphenamide.
aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salflex, Salsitab, others), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Magan, Mobidin), and other aspirin-like products (salicylates). These medicines may also interact with dichlorphenamide, and special monitoring of your therapy may be necessary.
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others). Dichlorphenamide may decrease the level of lithium in your blood. Special monitoring or a dosage adjustment may be necessary.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with dichlorphenamide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
More dichlorphenamide resources
- Dichlorphenamide Drug Interactions
- Dichlorphenamide Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Dichlorphenamide - Add your own review/rating
Compare dichlorphenamide with other medications
- Glaucoma
- Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has more information about dichlorphenamide written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Dichlorphenamide is available with a prescription under the brand name Daranide. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Daranide 50 mg--round, yellow tablets
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