Dichlorphenamide is used to treat occasional paralysis (loss of movement) caused by high or low levels of potassium in your blood.

Dichlorphenamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use dichlorphenamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe breathing problems;
• liver disease;
• an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
• if you also take aspirin in high doses.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• metabolic acidosis (high levels of acid in your blood); or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Avoid using dichlorphenamide if you are pregnant. Dichlorphenamide may cause metabolic acidosis, which could harm an unborn baby if you have this condition during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Use Ormalvi (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• an accidental fall;
• worsening of your paralysis symptoms;
• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• signs of too much acid in your blood--irregular heartbeats, feeling tired, loss of appetite, trouble thinking, feeling short of breath.

Accidental falls are more likely in older adults or in people who take high doses of Dichlorphenamide. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness;
• confusion;
• numbness or tingling; or
• altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.