Acetazolamide

Acetazolamide is an anticonvulsant, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and diuretic agent. It is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, effective in the control of fluid secretion, in the treatment of certain convulsive disorders and in the promotion of diuresis in instances of abnormal fluid retention. ³

Acetazolamide is one of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is sometimes effective against absence seizures. It is sometimes useful also as an adjunct in the treatment of tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and atonic seizures, particularly in women whose seizures occur or are exacerbated at specific times in the menstrual cycle. However, its usefulness is transient often because of rapid development of tolerance. Its antiepileptic effect may be due to its inhibitory effect on brain carbonic anhydrase. ¹

In veterinary medicine acetazolamide is used to manage acute glaucoma in dogs and cats.

Acetazolamide is sometimes used, like other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, to produce more alkaline urine for management for urinary stones. It is rarely used as diuretic any longer. There are more potent and effective diuretic drugs avilable such as the loop diuretics (furosemide). ²

References:
REF FILE 324-DAC