Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce the activity of carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the reaction between carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid and then bicarbonate. This reduces the resorption of bicarbonate from the proximal tubule in the kidneys, which causes a direct increase in bicarbonate excretion and mild increases in sodium, and potassium excretion. Generally, the electrolyte effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are mild and they are typically not used for their diuretic capacity. Acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, and methazolamide are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors also decrease the secretion of aqueous humor (the aqueous humor is the clear fluid that fills the space between the lens and the cornea of the eyeball), which results in a decrease in intraocular pressure.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are mainly used for the treatment of glaucoma or other ocular conditions where lowering of the intraocular blood pressure has been deemed beneficial. Acetazolamide is also used for the treatment and prevention of acute mountain sickness (also known as altitude sickness) and in some types of epilepsy. Dichlorphenamide may be used to treat certain inherited muscle disorders. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be also used in the treatment of other conditions.
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Source:drugs.com
Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Acetazolamide decreases the pressure in the eye. Acetazolamide is also used to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms (upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue) of altitude (mountain) sickness. Acetazolamide is used with other medicines to reduce edema (excess fluid retention) and to help control seizures in certain types of epilepsy.
Acetazolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Acetazolamide decreases the pressure in the eye. Acetazolamide is also used to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms (upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue) of altitude (mountain) sickness. Acetazolamide is used with other medicines to reduce edema (excess fluid retention) and to help control seizures in certain types of epilepsy.
Ophthalmic Brinzolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition that increases pressure in the eye and leads to vision loss. Brinzolamide is in a class of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It decreases the pressure in the eye.
Ophthalmic dorzolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Dorzolamide is in a class of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the pressure in the eye.
The combination of dorzolamide and timolol is used to treat eye conditions, including glaucoma and ocular hypertension, in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual loss of vision. Dorzolamide and timolol is used for patients whose eye condition has not responded to another medication. Dorzolamide is in a class of medications called topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Timolol is in a class of medications called topical beta blockers. Dorzolamide and timolol lowers pressure in the eye by decreasing the production of natural fluids in the eye.
