Acetazolamide
Summary
A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that impairs bicarbonate reabsorption in the proximal tubule, causing bicarbonate wasting and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Used for glaucoma, altitude sickness, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Detail
By blocking carbonic anhydrase, acetazolamide prevents bicarbonate reclamation in the proximal tubule, causing alkaline urine and non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. Applications: glaucoma (reduces aqueous humor production), altitude sickness (metabolic acidosis stimulates ventilation), idiopathic intracranial hypertension (decreases CSF production). Contraindicated in sulfa allergy. Adverse effects: hypokalemia, type 2 RTA, paresthesias, kidney stones (from reduced urine citrate).
Sources
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
- Katzung Basic & Clinical Pharmacology
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Reviewed by AnkiBoss editorial — medical student review. Information here is for study reference only and is not medical advice. Spotted an error? Let us know.