Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Mechanism of action:
They affect the carbonic Anhydrase formation, an enzyme that affects acid-base balance by ability to form carbonic acid from water and carbon dioxide.
Examples:

• Acetazolamide
• Methazolamide
• Brinzolamide
• Dorzolamide

Uses:
Their clinical use has been established as

• antiglaucoma agents
• diuretics (rarely used)
• antiepileptic
• In the management of mountain sickness, gastric and duodenal ulcers,
• Neurological disorders
• Osteoporosis

Side effects:
Side effects of carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors that are taken by mouth or given through a vein include:

• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Sluggishness
• Tingling in the hands and feet (Many people who take the oral form of these medicines develop this side effect.)
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Kidney stones
• Low potassium levels in the body.
• Skin reaction
• Depression and decreased sex drive (less common).
• Anemia (very rare)