Acetazolamide (AZM)

Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is used for the medical treatment of glaucoma, epileptic seizure, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, altitude sickness, cystinuria, periodic paralysis, central sleep apnea, and dural ectasia. Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It can be used for the medical treatment of moderate to severe metabolic or respiratory alkalosis. Acetazolamide does this by interfering with bicarbonate (HCO3-) reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reacidifying the blood – hence alkalyzing the urine. Acetazolamide has been used for the treatment of sufferers of glaucoma. When used to treat glaucoma, acetazolamide inhibits production of HCO3-. Normally, it is the production of HCO3- which draws Na+ into the eye; water follows by osmosis to form the aqueous humour. Acetazolamide is often used in the treatment of various diseases.