Description: Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It is a sulfonamide derivative but lacks significant antimicrobial activity.

Indication: It is primarily used to treat glaucoma (to reduce intraocular pressure), edema due to congestive heart failure or drug-induced edema, and certain types of epilepsy (as an adjunct to other medications). It can also be used to prevent or treat acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness).

Mechanism of Action: Acetazolamide works by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. In the eye, this reduces the formation of aqueous humor, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. In the kidneys, it increases the excretion of bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, and water, leading to diuresis (increased urine production). This action also helps to correct metabolic alkalosis. In the central nervous system, it may inhibit carbonic anhydrase in the brain, which may help to control seizures. The inhibition of carbonic anhydrase also helps to increase ventilation and oxygenation at high altitudes.