Diamox contraindications include which of the following?

• A. Sulfa allergies, COPD, pregnancy
• B. Diabetes, COPD, pregnancy
• C. Sulfa allergies, asthma, pregnancy
• D. Sulfa allergies, COPD, hypertension

Answer: (A)

Diamox (acetazolamide) is a sulfonamide-derived carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, so it has several important contraindications tied to its drug class and effects. Known sulfa allergies are a key contraindication because of potential hypersensitivity to sulfonamide drugs. It can also worsen respiratory status in patients with COPD since it promotes metabolic acidosis and can affect ventilation, making COPD a reason to avoid it. Pregnancy is a contraindication due to safety concerns and potential teratogenic risks, so it’s generally avoided in pregnant patients. The combination of sulfa allergy, COPD, and pregnancy reflects the main factors that make Diamox unsuitable in those situations, which is why that option is correct. Diabetes, asthma, or hypertension do not represent absolute contraindications for acetazolamide in the same way.