Description:
Acetazolamide is a non-bacteriostatic sulfonamide drug that is futher categorized as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The drugs acts to inhibits carbonic anhydrase. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase reduces the secretion of certain fluids e.g. aqueous humor decreases renal blood flow and glomerular filtration and can act to discharge abnormal discharge or neurons in the central nervous system. The reduction in secretion of aqueous humor can cause a decrease in intraocular pressure which is therapeutic in the treatment of glaucoma. Acetazolamide's onset of action may be as early as 30 minutes after an oral dose. Its maximum effects occur in about 5 hours and its duration of its action is about 7 hours. It is excreted unchanged in the urine. Acetazolamide is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian. This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an [[rol extra-label The medical use of a drug for a purpose or in an animal species other than that approved "on the label" by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Many human drugs are used in animals in an extra-label manner.]] drug.

Uses:
Acetazolamide is use most commonly for the following:

• To reduce IOP in chronic simple (open-angle) glaucoma and secondary glaucoma


• To treat metabolic acidosis


• As a diuretic in congestive cardiac failure


• To stabilize neuronal discharge in epilepsy

Precautions and Side Effects:
While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian acetazolamide can cause side effects in some animals. Acetazolamide should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug or other sulfonamides. Also it should avoided in patients with depressed levels of sodium and potassium serum levels marked kidney or liver dysfunction Addison's disease or metabolic/respiratory acidosis. Long-term administration of acetazolamide is contraindicated in chronic noncongestive angle-closure glaucoma since it may cause closure of the angle to occur while worsening glaucoma is masked by lowered IOP. Hematologic reactions common to other sulfonamides may occur during treatment: complete blood count (CBC) and platelets should be monitored during therapy. Possible side effects include:

• seizures


• drowsiness


• ataxia


• tremor


• urticaria/pruritus


• rash


• photosensitivity


• vomiting


• diarrhea


• bone marrow depression


• hematuria


• renal calculi


• crystalluria


• polyuria


• phosphaturia


• weight loss


• electrolyte imbalance


• hepatic insufficiency

Intraocular pressure should be monitored when treating glaucoma. Electrolytes and blood gases should be monitored when treating metabolic acidosis.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.