Does Acetazolamide Interact with Lithium Carbonate?
Acetazolamide and Lithium Carbonate have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Examples: metronidazole Acetazolamide, Urea, Xanthine Preparations, Alkalinizing Agents Clinical Impact: Concomitant use can lower serum lithium concentrations by increasing urinary lithium excretion. Examples: acetazolamide, theophylline, sodium bicarbonate Methyldopa, Phenytoin and Carbamazepine Clinical Impact: Concomitant use may increase risk of toxic effects of these drugs Intervention: Monitor patients closely for symptoms of toxicity of methyldopa, phenytoin, and carbamazepine. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Acetazolamide Class
- Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Acetazolamide and your doctor is considering prescribing Lithium Carbonate (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider