Acetazolamide

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Pharmacology general

Indication

• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

• Glaucoma

• Congestive heart failure

• Altitude sickness

• Periodic paralysis

• Epilepsy

• Acetazolamide challenge

Mechanism

• Inhibits Carbonic anhydrase → an accumulation of carbonic acid →
• Lower blood pH
• Effects on bicarbonate and a hydrogen ion.

Pharmacokinetics

• Acetazolamide does not undergo metabolic alteration.

• Plasma half-Life: 6-9 hours

• Renal excretion is the primary route of elimination.

Side effects

• Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea

• Paraesthesia, black stools, decreased libido, tinnitus, and taste alteration

CI

• Decreases the clearance of ammonia, patients with impaired liver function or liver disease should not use acetazolamide

• Hypokalemia or hyponatremia