Acetazolamide

Definition

A sulfonamide derivative with diuretic, antiglaucoma, and anticonvulsant properties. Acetazolamide is a non-competitive inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme found in cells in the proximal tube of the kidney, the eye, and glial cells. Inhibition of this enzyme in the kidney prevents excretion of hydrogen, leading to increased bicarbonate and cation excretion and increased urinary volume, which results in an alkaline diuresis. Acetazolamide reduces the concentration of bicarbonate, resulting in a decreased synthesis of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. Although its mechanism of action is unknown, acetazolamide has anti-convulsant properties resulting from indirect effects secondary to metabolic acidosis or direct effects on neuronal transmission. Acetazolamide also produces respiratory stimulant effects in response to changes to both carbon dioxide and oxygen tension levels within the lungs.

Also known as ACETAZOLAMIDE, Diacarb, Diluran, N-(5-(Aminosulfonyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)acetamide, N-[5-(Aminosulfonyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]acetamide — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC S01EC01 per RXNORM
• NCIT NCIT:C28809 per NCIT
• SCTID 33664007 per RXNORM
• SCTID 372709008 per RXNORM
• UNII O3FX965V0I per RXNORM

Indications

Organ Effects

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