Acetazolamide

Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor medication, primarily used to treat various conditions related to fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. It is available in tablet form and is often prescribed for the prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), a condition experienced by individuals who ascend to high altitudes rapidly.
Acetazolamide works by reducing the amount of fluid in the body, which helps to alleviate symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, and nausea that are associated with AMS. Additionally, it can be used to treat glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. By reducing the production of aqueous humor, the fluid within the eye, acetazolamide helps to lower intraocular pressure and manage glaucoma symptoms.
Furthermore, acetazolamide is sometimes prescribed to treat certain types of epilepsy, particularly in children. It can help to control seizures by altering the chemical activity in the brain. The medication may also be used as a diagnostic tool in patients with suspected carbonic anhydrase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder.