ACETAZOLAMIDE

DRUG STUDY GENERIC NAME Acetazolamide

BRAND NAME/ DOSAGE

GENERAL ACTION

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Diamox, Dazamide, Diamox S equels, Storzolamide, Acetazolam, ApoAcetazolamide

antiglaucoma, diuretics, ocular hypotensive agents, anticonvulsants

Acetazolamide is an enzyme inhibitor that acts particularly 

hypersensitivity to carbonic

on carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic anhydrase is the



anhydrase inhibitor Hypersensitivity to

enzyme that converts carbon dioxide and water to



sulfonamides Depressed levels of serum

carbonic acid (H2CO3). Carbonic anhydrase



potassium and sodium Marked kidney and liver

Dosage: PO (adults) Glaucoma: 250-1000 mg/day in 1-4 divided doses (up to 250 mg every 4 hours) Epilepsy: 4-30 mg/kg/day in 1-4 divided doses Altitude sickness: 250 mg 2-4 times a day started 24-48 hours before ascent, continued for 48 hours or longer to control symptoms. PO (Children) Glaucoma: 8-30 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses IM, IV (Adults): 250500 mg, may repeat in 2-4 hours IM, IV (children): 5-10 mg/kg every 6 hours

CONTRAINDICATION/ SIDE EFFECTS Contraindication:

inhibitors, such as Acetazolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase in the tissues and fluid thus, decreasing carbonic acid in the body. In the eye, the inhibitory action of Acetazolamide decreases the secretion of aqueous humor that lowers the

   

  

intraocular pressure which is desirable in glaucoma. In the 

  anhydrase retards the  abnormal and paroxysmal  excessive discharge from  the neurons of CNS.  In the kidneys, carbonic acid  central nervous system (CNS), restrained carbonic

disease Suprarenal grand failure Hyperchloremic disease First trimester of pregnancy Concurrent use of ophthalmic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (brinzolamide, dorzolamide) Adrenal gland failure (Addison’s disease) Sickle cell anemia Chronic non-congestive Side effects: Depression Tiredness Body malaise Drowsiness and confusion Transient nearsightedness Anorexia Metallic taste Nausea and vomiting

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY Monitor individuals taking acetazolamid e with primidone and carbamazepine. Ac etazolamide may increase the blood levels of carbamazepine and quinidine and may decrease the blood levels of primidone. Instruct the patient to avoid taking aspirin with Acetazolamide . Increase in side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, lethargy, hyperventilation and ringing in the ears when aceta zolamideis taken with aspirin. Monitor electrolyte levels

 inhibited carbonic anhydrase  function. The result is renal  loss of bicarbonate which  is excreted due to the

carries out sodium, potassium and water. Alkalinization of urine and diuresis then takes place.

Crystalluria Renal calculi Rashes Hyperglycemia