Acetazolamide

Acetazolamide is an enzyme inhibitor which acts specifically on carbonic anhydrase. By inhibiting the reaction catalysed by this enzyme in the renal tubules, acetazolamide increases the excretion of bicarbonate and of cations, chiefly sodium and potassium, and so promotes alkaline diuresis. By inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the eye acetazolamide decreases intra-ocular pressure and is therefore useful in the treatment of glaucoma.