Acetazolam

Acetazolam Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Acetazolam is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. This enzyme catalyzes the reversible reaction involving the hydration of carbon-di-oxide and the dehydration of carbonic acid. In the eye, this inhibitory action of Acetazolam decreases the secretion of aqueous humor and results in a drop in intraocular pressure, a reaction considered desirable in case of glaucoma. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the central nervous system appears to retard abnormal paroxysmal and excessive discharge from central nervous system neurons. So, Acetazolam is also used as an adjuvant in the treatment of epilepsy.

Acetazolam is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, effective in the control of fluid secretion, in the treatment of certain convulsive disorders and in the promotion of diuresis in instances of abnormal fluid retention. Acetazolam is not a mercurial diuretic. Rather, it is a nonbacteriostatic sulfonamide possessing a chemical structure and pharmacological activity distinctly different from the bacteriostatic sulfonamides.

Acetazolam
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Acetazolam
Availability	Prescription only
Generic	Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide Other Names	Acetazolamid, Acetazolamida, Acétazolamide, Acetazolamide, Acetazolamidum
Related Drugs	gabapentin, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, clonazepam, spironolactone, lamotrigine, diazepam, pregabalin, Lyrica, topiramate
Type
Formula	C₄H₆N₄O₃S₂
Weight	Average: 222.245 Monoisotopic: 221.988131458
Protein binding	98%
Groups	Approved, Vet approved
Therapeutic Class	Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Manufacturer
Available Country	Canada, United States
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Open angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma and as an adjuvant in the treatment of edema and epilepsy.

Acetazolam is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Edema, Familial periodic paralysis, Grand mal Generalized tonic-clonic seizure, Metabolic Alkalosis, Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG), Other and unspecified effects of high altitude, Acute Angle closure glaucoma, Cystine renal calculi, Drug-induced edema, Nonuveitic secondary glaucoma, Salicylate intoxication, Urine alkalinization therapy

How Acetazolam works

The anticonvulsant activity of Acetazolam may depend on a direct inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the CNS, which decreases carbon dioxide tension in the pulmonary alveoli, thus increasing arterial oxygen tension. The diuretic effect depends on the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, causing a reduction in the availability of hydrogen ions for active transport in the renal tubule lumen. This leads to alkaline urine and an increase in the excretion of bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, and water.

Dosage

Acetazolam dosage

Adults : Initially 250 mg (1 tablet) 4 times daily. Dose should be adjusted later with individual need.

Children : ½ to 2 tablets in divided doses.

In intraocular pressure: 1 tablet 6 hourly. In acute condition, dose should be started with 2 tablets followed by 1 tablet 6 hourly or as directed by the physician

Side Effects

Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, anorexia, polyurea, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset.

Food Interaction

Drink plenty of fluids.
Take with food. Take at least 6 hours before bedtime.

Acetazolam Drug Interaction

Major: topiramate, topiramateModerate: duloxetine, duloxetineUnknown: diphenhydramine, diphenhydramine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, pregabalin, pregabalin, cyanocobalamin, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol, cholecalciferol, ondansetron, ondansetron, cetirizine, cetirizine

Acetazolam Disease Interaction

Major: bone marrow depression/blood dyscrasias, adrenal insufficiency, closed-angle glaucoma, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, severe kidney disease, severe liver diseaseModerate: respiratory acidosis, renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, gout, metabolic acidosis

Half Life

3 to 9 hours

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women and neonates. So, Acetazolam should be used with care in those physiological conditions.

Contraindication

Acetazolam is contraindicated in cases of marked kidney and liver diseases or dysfunction, in situations in which sodium and or potassium blood serum levels decreased. Acetazolam is also contraindicated in patients with chronic noncongestive angle closure glaucoma