Acetazolamide Extended-Release 500 mg Capsule, 100-count — NDC 42571-0243-01 package photo
Label image from the product's FDA listing (DailyMed) — may show a different pack size or an older label revision.

Acetazolamide Extended-Release 500 mg Capsule, 100-count — NDC 42571-243-01 (Billing 42571-0243-01)

by Micro Labs Limited · 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE

This is a package of 100 capsules of Acetazolamide Extended-Release 500 mg Capsule from Micro Labs Limited, marketed since Dec 2020 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $0.2882 per capsule (NADAC). It is this product's only package size.

NDC 42571-0243-01
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 42571-243-01 billing pads the product segment with a zero
Rx only Generic On market Non-controlled ⇄ Compare with another NDC
🗂️ FDA directory synced Oct 8, 2026 · this listing last changed Jul 24, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

NDC database record

One package, one record: these facts belong to NDC 42571-243-01 alone.

Record
FDA NDC Directory package listing · Human prescription drug
Code segments
42571 labeler · 243 product · 01 package
Package marketed since
Dec 1, 2020
Sample package
No — commercial package
Listing certified through
Dec 31, 2026
Billing quantity
100 EA per package
Barcode (UPC)
0342571243012
Medicaid fills, this package
9,497 prescriptions in the last four reported quarters
FDA record last changed
Jul 24, 2026

Identity & classification

Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package

FDA NDC (as labeled) 42571-243-01
Product NDC 42571-243
11-digit billing NDC 42571024301
NCPDP billing unit EA — each (per item)
RxCUI 562524
UNII O3FX965V0I
UPC 0342571243012
Application # ANDA207401
SPL Set ID 78f78919-a6ba-4072-bc45-2ab3637ed894
Established class (EPC) Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Mechanism of action Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Chemical class Sulfonamides
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category ANDA
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 2020-12-01
Route ORAL
Dosage form CAPSULE
Substance ACETAZOLAMIDE
TE code (Orange Book) AB · RLD · RS

Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification

GPI-14 37100010006920
GPI class acetaZOLAMIDE ER
GCN Seq No 008164
GCN 34700
HICL code 003641
Ingredient (HICL) Acetazolamide
HIC1 code R
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Kidney/Urinary Tract
HIC2 code R1
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Affect Primarily Kidneys/Urinary Tract
HIC3 code R1E
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
AHFS code 24:36.04.00
AHFS class Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (24:36)
FDB label name ACETAZOLAMIDE ER 500 MG CAP
FDB brand name Acetazolamide Er
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
Quick answers
  • GSN (GCN sequence number): 008164
  • GCN: 34700
  • GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 37100010006920
  • HICL (First Databank): 003641
  • AHFS class code: 24:36.04.00
  • RxCUI (RxNorm): 562524
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 42571-243-01 — a 5-3-2 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the product segment → 42571-0243-01. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

RxNorm drug class

This medicine belongs to the Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor class.

Pharmacologic class Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Drug family (ATC) Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
How it works Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Where does this data come from?
Therapeutic classes from RxNorm RxClass (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Established Pharmacologic Class (FDA), ATC drug family (WHO) and mechanism of action, matched by this product’s RxCUI.

Clinical

Label name ACETAZOLAMIDE ER 500 MG CAP Ingredient Acetazolamide
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • It is used as an add-on treatment, most commonly for glaucoma. Depending on the product, it is also used for swelling from heart failure, certain seizure disorders, and preventing...
  • Tablets and capsules are taken by mouth, and the injection is given in a vein by a professional. Extended-release capsules for glaucoma are usually taken morning and evening. For m...
  • Tingling in fingers or face, more urination, tiredness, nausea, appetite or taste changes, and drowsiness are among the reported effects. Mention them if they bother you.
  • Call right away if you get a rash, blisters, fever, sore throat, unusual bruising, yellow skin or eyes, confusion, or swelling of the face. Acetazolamide is a sulfa-type drug, and...
📖 Read our full Acetazolamide guide →
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer eaPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly $0.288 $28.82 / 100 capsules
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo $0.4225 $42.25 / 100 capsules
Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 $0.4628 $46.28 / 100 capsules
NADAC price history (per ea) — tap or hover for the price & month
Jan 2022 Aug 2022 Jan 2026 Sep 2026 $0.425 $0.276
▼ Down 32% over the last 24 months.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Marketing startMarketing endStatus
42571-0243-01 You're viewing this Main listing 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE 2020-12-01 — Active

Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
acetazolamide 500 mg 16729-0331-01 Accord 100 capsules $0.288 AB Availability likely —
Acetazolamide 500 mg 23155-0787-01 Heritage 100 capsules $0.288 AB Availability likely —
Acetazolamide Extended-Release 500 mgthis 42571-0243-01 Micro 100 capsules $0.288 AB Availability likely —
Acetazolamide Extended-Release 500 mg 50268-0042-12 AvPAK 20 capsules $0.288 AB Availability likely —
acetazolamide 500 mg 60687-0578-21 American 30 capsules $0.288 AB Availability likely —
Acetazolamide 500 mg 62135-0612-60 Chartwell 60 capsules $0.288 AB Availability likely —
Acetazolamide 500 mg 69367-0209-01 Westminster 100 capsules $0.288 AB Availability likely —
Acetazolamide 500 mg 50742-0233-01 Ingenus 100 capsules $0.349 AB FDA listed +21%
Acetazolamide 500 mg 62332-0349-31 Alembic 100 capsules $0.368 AB FDA listed +28%
Acetazolamide 500 mg 46708-0349-31 Alembic 100 capsules — AB FDA listed —
Acetazolamide 500 mg 50090-5945-00 A-S 30 capsules — AB FDA listed —
acetazolamide 500 mg 65841-0762-01 Zydus 100 capsules — AB FDA listed —
Acetazolamide 500 mg 70518-4646-00 REMEDYREPACK 1 capsule — AB FDA listed —
acetazolamide 500 mg 70710-1591-00 Zydus 1000 capsules — AB FDA listed —
acetazolamide 500 mg 71335-9729-01 Bryant 180 capsules — AB FDA listed —
About this product: this is a generic version of the medicine. FDA equivalence ratings are shown when available, and other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
2020
On the market since
Dec 2020
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
6 years listed
🔓
·
Generic on the market
this product is a generic
✅This is a generic drug

This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

What it looks like

Color orange
ShapeCapsule
ImprintM;26
Size23 mm
ScoringNot scored
One label can cover several strengths, so colors may be combined — always confirm a loose pill against the dispensed prescription label or a pharmacist.
Where does this data come from?
Physical description (imprint, shape, color, scoring, coating) from this product’s FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL), mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA.

Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

🧪 Avoiding an ingredient? See Acetazolamide inactive ingredients by manufacturer: every current product's list side by side, so you can ask your pharmacy for the version that does not list it.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • UNII 3K9958V90M
    A liquid solvent derived from fermentation or chemical synthesis. In medicines, alcohol dissolves active ingredients, helps preserve the product, and improves how the body absorbs certain drugs.
  • UNII 5138Q19F1X
    Ammonia is a colorless gas made from nitrogen and hydrogen. It's used in medicines as a pH buffer to maintain the correct acidity level and help keep the product stable.
  • UNII 8PJ61P6TS3
    Butyl alcohol is a clear liquid organic solvent derived from petroleum or natural sources. In medicines, it helps dissolve active ingredients and serves as a solvent in liquid formulations and some topical products.
  • UNII OP1R32D61U
    Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
  • UNII 767IP0Y5NH
    A synthetic red colorant used to give medicines their color. It helps patients identify their medication and makes the product visually appealing.
  • UNII 35SW5USQ3G
    A synthetic yellow dye used to color medicines. It helps make tablets, capsules, and liquids visually distinct so patients can easily identify their medication.
  • UNII WZB9127XOA
    A synthetic red dye used to color medications and make them easier to identify. It serves as a colorant in tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations.
  • UNII XM0M87F357
    A dark iron oxide compound that gives medicines their black or dark color. It's used as a colorant in tablets and capsules to help identify the product and make it visually distinctive.
  • UNII 2G86QN327L
    Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, commonly used in medicines as a gelling agent and capsule material. It helps create soft or hard capsule shells that hold and release medication, and can also thicken liquid formulations.
  • UNII RFW2ET671P
    Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a plant-derived thickening agent made from cellulose. It acts as a binder to hold tablet ingredients together and as a film-former to coat tablets or control how fast the medicine releases.
  • UNII ND2M416302
    Isopropyl alcohol is a clear liquid solvent derived from petroleum. In medicines, it dissolves active ingredients and other components, helps the product flow smoothly, and aids in sterilization during manufacturing.
  • UNII WZH3C48M4T
    Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline chemical used in medicines to adjust and maintain the pH level of liquid formulations, helping keep the product stable and the active ingredients effective.
  • UNII 6DC9Q167V3
    Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
  • UNII 46N107B71O
    Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac beetle. It's used as a coating on tablets and capsules to control how quickly the medicine dissolves and to improve appearance and stability.
  • UNII 368GB5141J
    A detergent and foaming agent derived from coconut or palm oil. In medications, it helps break down and mix oil and water-based ingredients, aids in tablet disintegration, and improves how the drug dissolves and spreads in the mouth or digestive system.
  • UNII 7SEV7J4R1U
    A powder made from a naturally occurring mineral. In medicines, talc works as a glidant and anti-caking agent, helping tablets and capsules flow smoothly during manufacturing and preventing clumping.
  • UNII 15FIX9V2JP
    Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.

17 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed — ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerMicro Labs Limited
Application holderMICRO LABS LTD INDIA
FDA applicationANDA207401 (ANDA)
Labeler code42571
First marketedDec 2020
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio196 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Very long sections are excerpted here and marked; the full text is on DailyMed (linked in the sources below). Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🎯 Indications and Usage 52 words ▾

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: For adjunctive treatment of: chronic simple (open-angle) glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and preoperatively in acute angle-closure glaucoma where delay of surgery is desired in order to lower intraocular pressure. Acetazolamide extended-release capsules are also indicated for the prevention or amelioration of symptoms associated with acute mountain sickness despite gradual ascent.

⏱️ Dosage and Administration ~1 min read ▾

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Glaucoma The recommended dosage is 1 capsule (500 mg) two times a day. Usually 1 capsule is administered in the morning and 1 capsule in the evening. It may be necessary to adjust the dose, but it has usually been found that dosage in excess of 2 capsules (1 g) does not produce an increased effect.

The dosage should be adjusted with careful individual attention both to symptomatology and intraocular tension. In all cases, continuous supervision by a physician is advisable. In those unusual instances where adequate control is not obtained by the twice-a-day administration of acetazolamide extended-release capsules, USP the desired control may be established by means of acetazolamide (tablets or parenteral).

Use tablets or parenteral in accordance with the more frequent dosage schedules recommended for these dosage forms, such as 250 mg every four hours, or an initial dose of 500 mg followed by 250 mg or 125 mg every four hours, depending on the case in question. Acute Mountain Sickness Dosage is 500 mg to 1000 mg daily, in divided doses using tablets or extended-release capsules as appropriate. In circumstances of rapid ascent, such as in rescue or military operations, the higher dose level of 1000 mg is recommended.

It is preferable to initiate dosing 24 to 48 hours before ascent and to continue for 48 hours while at high altitude, or longer as necessary to control symptoms.

⛔ Contraindications 111 words ▾

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to acetazolamide or any excipients in the formulation. Since acetazolamide is a sulfonamide derivative, cross sensitivity between acetazolamide, sulfonamides and other sulfonamide derivatives is possible. Acetazolamide therapy is contraindicated in situations in which sodium and/or potassium blood serum levels are depressed, in cases of marked kidney and liver disease or dysfunction, in suprarenal gland failure, and in hyperchloremic acidosis.

It is contraindicated in patients with cirrhosis because of the risk of development of hepatic encephalopathy. Long-term administration of acetazolamide is contraindicated in patients with chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma since it may permit organic closure of the angle to occur while the worsening glaucoma is masked by lowered intraocular pressure.

⚠️ Warnings 80 words ▾

WARNINGS: Fatalities have occurred, although rarely, due to severe reactions to sulfonamides including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, anaphylaxis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and other blood dyscrasias. Sensitizations may recur when a sulfonamide is readministered irrespective of the route of administration. If signs of hypersensitivity or other serious reactions occur, discontinue use of this drug.

Caution is advised for patients receiving concomitant high-dose aspirin and acetazolamide, as anorexia, tachypnea, lethargy, metabolic acidosis, coma, and death have been reported.

🤒 Adverse Reactions 168 words ▾

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Body as a whole: Headache, malaise, fatigue, fever, pain at injection site, flushing, growth retardation in children, flaccid paralysis, anaphylaxis. Digestive: Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Hematological/Lymphatic: Blood dyscrasias such as aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, melena.

Hepato-biliary disorders: Abnormal liver function, cholestatic jaundice, hepatic insufficiency, fulminant hepatic necrosis. Metabolic/Nutritional: Metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalance, including hypokalemia, hyponatremia, osteomalacia with long-term phenytoin therapy, loss of appetite, taste alteration, hyper/hypoglycemia. Nervous: Drowsiness, paresthesia (including numbness and tingling of extremities and face), depression, excitement, ataxia, confusion, convulsions, dizziness.

Skin: Allergic skin reactions including urticaria, photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis. Otologic: Hearing disturbances, tinnitus. Eye Disorders : Choroidal effusion, choroidal detachment, transient myopia.

Transient myopia is the result of forward movement of the ciliary body leading to a narrowing of the angle. Urogenital: Crystalluria, increased risk of nephrolithiasis with long-term therapy, hematuria, glycosuria, renal failure, polyuria. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Micro Labs USA Inc., at 1-855-839-8195 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

🔄 Drug Interactions 171 words ▾

Drug Interactions Aspirin - See WARNINGS Acetazolamide modifies phenytoin metabolism with increased serum levels of phenytoin. This may increase or enhance the occurrence of osteomalacia in some patients receiving chronic phenytoin therapy. Caution is advised in patients receiving chronic concomitant therapy.

By decreasing the gastrointestinal absorption of primidone, acetazolamide may decrease serum concentrations of primidone and its metabolites, with a consequent possible decrease in anticonvulsant effect. Caution is advised when beginning, discontinuing, or changing the dose of acetazolamide in patients receiving primidone. Because of possible additive effects with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, concomitant use is not advisable.

Acetazolamide may increase the effects of other folic acid antagonists. Acetazolamide decreases urinary excretion of amphetamine and may enhance the magnitude and duration of their effect. Acetazolamide reduces urinary excretion of quinidine and may enhance its effect.

Acetazolamide may prevent the urinary antiseptic effect of methenamine. Acetazolamide increases lithium excretion and the lithium may be decreased. Acetazolamide and sodium bicarbonate used concurrently increase the risk of renal calculus formation.

Acetazolamide may elevate cyclosporine levels.

🔄 Drug / Laboratory Test Interactions 74 words ▾

Drug/laboratory Test Interactions Sulfonamides may give false negative or decreased values for urinary phenolsulfonphthalein and phenol red elimination values for urinary protein, serum non-protein, and serum uric acid. Acetazolamide may produce an increased level of crystals in the urine. Acetazolamide interferes with the HPLC method of assay for theophylline.

Interference with the theophylline assay by acetazolamide depends on the solvent used in the extraction; acetazolamide may not interfere with other assay methods for theophylline.

🤰 Pregnancy 52 words ▾

Pregnancy: Teratogenic effects Acetazolamide, administered orally or parenterally, has been shown to be teratogenic (defects of the limbs) in mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Acetazolamide should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

🧒 Pediatric Use 38 words ▾

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of acetazolamide extended-release capsules in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established. Growth retardation has been reported in children receiving long-term therapy, believed secondary to chronic acidosis.

🧓 Geriatric Use 56 words ▾

Geriatric Use Metabolic acidosis, which can be severe, may occur in the elderly with reduced renal function. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

🆘 Overdosage 96 words ▾

OVERDOSAGE: No specific antidote is known. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidotic state, and central nervous system effects might be expected to occur.

Serum electrolyte levels (particularly potassium) and blood pH levels should be monitored. Supportive measures are required to restore electrolyte and pH balance. The acidotic state can usually be corrected by the administration of bicarbonate.

Despite its high intraerythrocytic distribution and plasma protein binding properties, acetazolamide may be dialyzable. This may be particularly important in the management of acetazolamide overdosage when complicated by the presence of renal failure.

🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ~2 min read ▾

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Acetazolamide is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, effective in the control of fluid secretion (e.g., some types of glaucoma), in the treatment of certain convulsive disorders (e.g., epilepsy), and in the promotion of diuresis in instances of abnormal fluid retention (e.g., cardiac edema). Acetazolamide is not a mercurial diuretic. Rather, it is a non-bacteriostatic sulfonamide possessing a chemical structure and pharmacological activity distinctly different from the bacteriostatic sulfonamides.

Acetazolamide is an enzyme inhibitor that acts specifically on carbonic anhydrase, the enzyme that catalyzes the reversible reaction involving the hydration of carbon dioxide and the dehydration of carbonic acid. In the eye, this inhibitory action of acetazolamide decreases the secretion of aqueous humor and results in a drop in intraocular pressure, a reaction considered desirable in cases of glaucoma and even in certain non-glaucomatous conditions. Evidence seems to indicate that acetazolamide has utility as an adjuvant in treatment of certain dysfunctions of the central nervous system (e.g., epilepsy).

Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in this area appears to retard abnormal, paroxysmal, excessive discharge from central nervous system neurons. The diuretic effect of acetazolamide is due to its action in the kidney on the reversible reaction involving hydration of carbon dioxide and dehydration of carbonic acid. The result is renal loss of HCO 3 ion, which carries out sodium, water, and potassium.

Alkalinization of the urine and promotion of diuresis are thus affected. Alteration in ammonia metabolism occurs due to increased reabsorption of ammonia by the renal tubules as a result of urinary alkalinization. Acetazolamide extended-release capsules provide prolonged action to inhibit aqueous humor secretion for 18 to 24 hours after each dose, whereas tablets act for only eight to 12 hours.

The prolonged continuous effect of acetazolamide extended-release capsules permits a reduction in dosage frequency. Plasma concentrations of acetazolamide peak from three to six hours after administration of acetazolamide extended-release capsules, compared to one to four hours with tablets. Food does not affect bioavailability of acetazolamide extended-release capsules.

Placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that prophylactic administration of acetazolamide at a dose of 250 mg every eight to 12 hours (or a 500 mg controlled release capsule once daily) before and during rapid ascent to altitude results in fewer and/or less severe symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) such as headache, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Pulmonary function (e.g., minute ventilation, expired vital capacity, and peak flow) is greater in the acetazolamide treated group, both in subjects with AMS and asymptomatic subjects.

The acetazolamide treated climbers also had less difficulty in sleeping.

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 76 words ▾

HOW SUPPLIED: Acetazolamide Extended-Release Capsules, USP are available as 500 mg: Opaque orange / Opaque orange, hard gelatin capsule imprinted with 'M' on cap and '26' on body contains white to off white pellets. Available in bottles of: Bottles of 100 NDC 42571-243-01 Store at 20° to 25°C(68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in well-closed containers.

Manufactured by: Micro Labs Limited INDIA. Manufactured for: Micro Labs USA Inc. Somerset, NJ 08873 Rev.

12/2025

📋 Description 183 words ▾

DESCRIPTION: Acetazolamide extended-release capsules, USP are an inhibitor of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Acetazolamide USP is a white to faintly yellowish-white, crystalline, odorless powder. Sparingly soluble in practically boiling water; slightly soluble in alcohol; very slightly soluble in water.

The chemical name for acetazolamide is N-(5-Sulfamoyl-1,3, 4-thiadiazol-2-yl) acetamide and has the following chemical structure: Molecular Weight 222.24 Chemical Formula C 4 H 6 N 4 O 3 S 2 Acetazolamide extended-release capsules, USP are, for oral administration, each containing 500 mg of acetazolamide and the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate and talc. The ingredients in the capsule shell are D&C RED no. 28, D&C YELLOW no.

10, FD&C RED no. 40, gelatin and titanium dioxide. The ingredients in the imprinting ink are shellac (24 to 27%), dehydrated alcohol (23 to 26%), isopropyl alcohol (1 to 3%), butyl alcohol (1 to 3%), propylene glycol (3 to 7%), strong ammonia solution (1 to 2%), black iron oxide (24 to 28%), potassium hydroxide (0.05 to 0.1%) and purified water (15 to 18%).

FDA approved dissolution test specifications differ from USP acetazolamide-str.jpg

💬 Information for Patients ~1 min read ▾

Information for Patients Adverse reactions common to all sulfonamide derivatives may occur: anaphylaxis, fever, rash (including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), crystalluria, renal calculus, bone marrow depression, thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, and agranulocytosis. Caution is advised for early detection of such reactions and the drug should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. In patients with pulmonary obstruction or emphysema where alveolar ventilation may be impaired, acetazolamide which may precipitate or aggravate acidosis should be used with caution.

Gradual ascent is desirable to try to avoid acute mountain sickness. If rapid ascent is undertaken and acetazolamide is used, it should be noted that such use does not obviate the need for prompt descent if severe forms of high altitude sickness occur, i.e., high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema. Caution is advised for patients receiving concomitant high-dose aspirin and acetazolamide, as anorexia, tachypnea, lethargy, metabolic acidosis, coma, and death have been reported (see WARNINGS ).

Both increases and decreases in blood glucose have been described in patients treated with acetazolamide. This should be taken into consideration in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus. Acetazolamide treatment may cause electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia and hypokalemia, as well as metabolic acidosis.

Therefore, periodic monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended. Particular caution is recommended in patients with conditions that are associated with, or predispose a patient to, electrolyte and acid/base imbalances, such as patients with impaired renal function (including elderly patients; see PRECAUTIONS , Geriatric Use ), patients with diabetes mellitus, and patients with impaired alveolar ventilation. Some adverse reactions to acetazolamide, such as drowsiness, fatigue, and myopia, may impair the ability to drive and operate machinery.

⚠️ Precautions ~2 min read ▾

PRECAUTIONS: General Increasing the dose does not increase the diuresis and may increase the incidence of drowsiness and/or paresthesia. Increasing the dose often results in a decrease in diuresis. Under certain circumstances, however, very large doses have been given in conjunction with other diuretics in order to secure diuresis in complete refractory failure.

Choroidal effusion and choroidal detachment have been reported after the use of acetazolamide in the post-operative period following ophthalmic surgery. Discontinue acetazolamide if choroidal effusion and/or choroidal detachment is suspected. Information for Patients Adverse reactions common to all sulfonamide derivatives may occur: anaphylaxis, fever, rash (including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), crystalluria, renal calculus, bone marrow depression, thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, and agranulocytosis.

Caution is advised for early detection of such reactions and the drug should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. In patients with pulmonary obstruction or emphysema where alveolar ventilation may be impaired, acetazolamide which may precipitate or aggravate acidosis should be used with caution. Gradual ascent is desirable to try to avoid acute mountain sickness.

If rapid ascent is undertaken and acetazolamide is used, it should be noted that such use does not obviate the need for prompt descent if severe forms of high altitude sickness occur, i.e., high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema. Caution is advised for patients receiving concomitant high-dose aspirin and acetazolamide, as anorexia, tachypnea, lethargy, metabolic acidosis, coma, and death have been reported (see WARNINGS ). Both increases and decreases in blood glucose have been described in patients treated with acetazolamide.

This should be taken into consideration in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus. Acetazolamide treatment may cause electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia and hypokalemia, as well as metabolic acidosis. Therefore, periodic monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended.

Particular caution is recommended in patients with conditions that are associated with, or predispose a patient to, electrolyte and acid/base imbalances, such as patients with impaired renal function (including elderly patients; see PRECAUTIONS , Geriatric Use ), patients with diabetes mellitus, and patients with impaired alveolar ventilation. Some adverse reactions to acetazolamide, such as drowsiness, fatigue, and myopia, may impair the ability to drive and operate machinery. Laboratory Tests To monitor for hematologic reactions common to all sulfonamides, it is recommended that a baseline CBC and platelet count be obtained on patients prior to initiating acetazolamide therapy and at regular intervals during therapy.

If significant changes occur, early discontinuance and institution of appropriate therapy are important. Periodic monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended. Drug Interactions Aspirin - See WARNINGS Acetazolamide modifies phenytoin metabolism with increased serum levels of phenytoin.

This may increase or enhance the occurrence of osteomalacia in some patients receiving chronic phenytoin therapy. Caution is advised in patients receiving chronic concomitant therapy. By decreasing the gastrointestinal absorption of primidone, acetazolamide may decrease serum concentrations of primidone and its metabolites, with a consequent possible decrease in anticonvulsant effect.

Caution is advised when beginning, discontinuing, or changing the dose of acetazolamide in patients receiving primidone. Because of possible additive effects with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, concomitant use is not advisable. Acetazolamide may increase the effects of other folic acid antagonists.

Acetazolamide decreases urinary excretion of amphetamine and may enhance the magni… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🍼 Nursing Mothers 59 words ▾

Nursing Mothers Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from acetazolamide, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Acetazolamide should only be used by nursing women if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the child.

📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 74 words ▾

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term studies in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of acetazolamide have not been conducted. In a bacterial mutagenicity assay, acetazolamide was not mutagenic when evaluated with and without metabolic activation. The drug had no effect on fertility when administered in the diet to male and female rats at a daily intake of up to 4 times the recommended human dose of 1000 mg in a 50 kg individual.

📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel 19 words ▾

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL NDC 42571-243-01 acetaZOLAMIDE Extended-Release Capsules 500 mg Rx Only 100 Tablets MICRO LABS LIMITED acetazolamide-lbl.jpg

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗

Medicaid utilization & spend

📍 This exact package only: Medicaid data is reported per full 11-digit NDC — labeler, product and pack size — so every number here is for this package alone, not the drug overall. Other pack sizes report separately.
💊 Pharmacy benefit only: These are Medicaid outpatient pharmacy claims, billed by NDC. They exclude the medical benefit — clinic- or hospital-administered drugs billed under HCPCS J-codes — so drugs used mostly that way (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Keytruda) can look low or missing here. That’s expected, not an error.
📅 Q1 2025 – Q1 2026 · 5 quarters of data
ⓘ The newest quarter is usually incomplete when first published; states restate recent quarters in later CMS releases, so the latest figures typically revise upward. State coverage-policy changes can also shift quarter-to-quarter totals.
Prescriptions last 4 qtrs
9.5K
Units reimbursed last 4 qtrs
679.1K
Gross reimbursed last 4 qtrs
$287K
Avg / prescription
$30.22
Avg / unit
$0.4225
Latest quarter Q1 2026
2.3KRx
Medicaid pays / ea
$0.4225
gross reimbursed
vs
NADAC / ea
$0.2882
acquisition cost
=
Spread
+$0.1343
+47% vs cost
What Medicaid paid per ea (before rebates; includes the pharmacy’s dispensing fee) compared with NADAC — the average price pharmacies pay to buy the drug. A positive spread means Medicaid reimbursed more than the purchase price, before manufacturer rebates.
Fee-for-service vs managed care ⓘ
45% FFS 55% MCO
Fee-for-service · 4,276 Rx Managed care · 5,221 Rx
State Medicaid map
Alaska: no data reported AK Maine: no data reported ME Washington: 12,100 units · 155 per 100k residents WA Idaho: 4,405 units · 224 per 100k residents ID Montana: 2,137 units · 189 per 100k residents MT North Dakota: no data reported ND Minnesota: 9,978 units · 174 per 100k residents MN Wisconsin: 3,878 units · 65.6 per 100k residents WI Michigan: 38,441 units · 383 per 100k residents MI New York: 133,840 units · 684 per 100k residents NY Vermont: no data reported VT New Hampshire: no data reported NH Oregon: 5,903 units · 139 per 100k residents OR Nevada: 3,480 units · 109 per 100k residents NV Wyoming: no data reported WY South Dakota: 718 units · 78.1 per 100k residents SD Iowa: 14,681 units · 458 per 100k residents IA Illinois: 22,035 units · 176 per 100k residents IL Indiana: 14,065 units · 205 per 100k residents IN Ohio: 19,668 units · 167 per 100k residents OH Pennsylvania: 47,224 units · 364 per 100k residents PA New Jersey: 24,898 units · 268 per 100k residents NJ Massachusetts: 11,936 units · 170 per 100k residents MA California: 67,128 units · 172 per 100k residents CA Utah: 7,646 units · 224 per 100k residents UT Colorado: 11,774 units · 200 per 100k residents CO Nebraska: 952 units · 48.1 per 100k residents NE Missouri: 4,221 units · 68.1 per 100k residents MO Kentucky: 15,071 units · 333 per 100k residents KY West Virginia: 10,415 units · 588 per 100k residents WV Virginia: 16,816 units · 193 per 100k residents VA Maryland: 31,411 units · 508 per 100k residents MD Connecticut: 18,476 units · 511 per 100k residents CT Rhode Island: 761 units · 69.5 per 100k residents RI Arizona: 6,455 units · 86.9 per 100k residents AZ New Mexico: no data reported NM Kansas: no data reported KS Arkansas: 6,780 units · 221 per 100k residents AR Tennessee: 13,249 units · 186 per 100k residents TN North Carolina: 27,484 units · 254 per 100k residents NC South Carolina: 7,917 units · 147 per 100k residents SC Delaware: no data reported DE Oklahoma: no data reported OK Louisiana: 6,736 units · 147 per 100k residents LA Mississippi: 7,852 units · 267 per 100k residents MS Alabama: 3,954 units · 77.4 per 100k residents AL Georgia: 9,753 units · 88.4 per 100k residents GA D.C.: 3,204 units · 472 per 100k residents DC Hawaii: no data reported HI Texas: 15,387 units · 50.4 per 100k residents TX Florida: 15,539 units · 68.7 per 100k residents FL
Units reimbursed · per 100k residents
48.1684
gray = no data reported ⓘ
Colors are per 100,000 residents, so big states don’t automatically dominate. Tap or hover a state for its actual totals.
Tap or hover a state
…for its Medicaid breakdown
🏆 Top states by units · per 100k residents
1 New York 684 /100k
2 West Virginia 588 /100k
3 Connecticut 511 /100k
4 Maryland 508 /100k
5 D.C. 472 /100k
6 Iowa 458 /100k
7 Michigan 383 /100k
8 Pennsylvania 364 /100k
National units — by quarter
💵 About the dollar figures: “reimbursed” is what Medicaid paid pharmacies before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower than these numbers. Fee-for-service and managed-care claims are combined unless split above. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data; per-100k rates use 2023 Census population estimates.

Reported adverse events (FAERS)

Read carefully: FAERS reports are voluntary and unverified. Counts are not incidence, do not establish causation, are subject to reporting bias, and cannot be used to compare one drug to another. Shown for signal context only. Reports for Acetazolamide extended-release — the ingredient across all brands.

Top reported reactions

Angle Closure Glaucoma2
Confusional State2
Alopecia1
Ataxia1
Choroidal Detachment1
Dysarthria1
Dysmetria1

Age at onset

Adult1

Reporter sex

6 reports
Male · 50%
Female · 50%

Serious outcomes

Hospitalization2
Disabling1
Reports over time (by year) — tap or hover for the count & year
2019 2021 2023 2026 1 0
Most recent year is provisional (FAERS lags ~3 months).
Where does this data come from?
Adverse-event reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA. FAERS reports are voluntary and unverified — counts are not incidence and don’t establish causation.
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.