Iopar SR 250 Mg

Iopar-SR 250 mg is an oral sustained-release formulation whose active ingredient is Acetazolamide (250 mg) — a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It is a prescription medicine used in various clinical conditions where reducing fluid secretion or modulating acid-base balance is therapeutically useful, such as glaucoma, altitude sickness, certain seizure types, and edema associated with heart failure or medications. This sustained-release capsule ensures prolonged action and should only be taken under medical supervision.

Key Features

How does Iopar-SR 250 mg work?

• Inhibits carbonic anhydrase: Reduces formation of bicarbonate and fluid in the eye, decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Promotes diuresis: Increases urinary excretion of bicarbonate, sodium, and water, aiding in edema management.
• Supports altitude adjustment: Mild metabolic acidosis stimulates breathing, helping reduce symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
• Adjunct in epilepsy: Alters neuronal ion balance and pH, reducing seizure activity in some cases.

Dosage

• Follow physician’s prescription precisely — dosage depends on indication and formulation.
• Typical adult sustained-release dosing: total daily dose ranges from 500–1000 mg, individualized by the doctor.
• Swallow capsule whole with water; do not crush or chew sustained-release forms.
• For altitude sickness, start 24–48 hours before ascent and continue during exposure.

Uses

• Reduces intraocular pressure in glaucoma (adjunct therapy).
• Prevents and treats acute mountain sickness.
• Manages edema due to congestive heart failure or drugs.
• Used as adjunct therapy in certain seizure disorders.

Side Effects

• Paresthesia (tingling in hands/feet)
• Fatigue, drowsiness, or increased urination
• Metallic taste, nausea, diarrhea
• Metabolic acidosis (from bicarbonate loss)
• Electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia)
• Rare but serious: rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, blood disorders
• Allergic reactions in sulfa-sensitive patients

Interactions

• High-dose aspirin: May cause severe reactions; avoid unless supervised.
• Other diuretics: Increases risk of electrolyte disturbances.
• Other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Risk of additive effects; avoid combination.
• Laboratory tests: Alters acid-base and urine pH; inform lab staff if on therapy.
• Other medications: Always disclose all drugs and supplements to your doctor.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, acetazolamide is absorbed and excreted largely unchanged in urine. The sustained-release formulation provides prolonged plasma levels for convenient dosing. Clearance depends on kidney function, requiring dose adjustment in renal impairment.

Precautions

• Do not use if allergic to acetazolamide or sulfonamides.
• Use cautiously in renal or hepatic impairment.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use only if prescribed.
• Monitor electrolytes and acid-base balance during prolonged therapy.
• Diabetic patients should monitor blood sugar.
• Keep out of reach of children; for adult use only.

Conclusion

Iopar-SR 250 mg (Acetazolamide sustained-release) is a versatile medication for managing glaucoma, altitude sickness, edema, and certain seizures. Its sustained-release design ensures consistent plasma levels and convenient dosing. Always use under medical supervision, follow dosing instructions carefully, and report any unusual symptoms promptly.

References

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17981978/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28660428/

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