Acetazolamide

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

Acetazolamide 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 Acetazolamide 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, Acetazolamide is also used as an adjuvant in the treatment of epilepsy.

Acetazolamide 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. Acetazolamide is not a mercurial diuretic. Rather, it is a nonbacteriostatic sulfonamide possessing a chemical structure and pharmacological activity distinctly different from the bacteriostatic sulfonamides.

Trade Name Acetazolamide
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
Weight 500mg, 125mg, 250mg
Type Tablet, Oral Capsule, Extended Release, Oral Tablet
Formula C4H6N4O3S2
Weight Average: 222.245
Monoisotopic: 221.988131458
Protein binding

98%

Groups Approved, Vet approved
Therapeutic Class Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Manufacturer Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Advanz Pharma
Available Country India, United Kingdom, Canada, United States
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide

How Acetazolamide works

The anticonvulsant activity of Acetazolamide 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

Acetazolamide 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.

Half Life

3 to 9 hours

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

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

Contraindication

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

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Acetazolamide

Acetazolamide contains Acetazolamide see full prescribing information from innovator Acetazolamide Monograph, Acetazolamide MSDS, Acetazolamide FDA label

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
Share