Acetazolamide which class of drug?

What class of drug is acetazolamide?

Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It belongs to the class of medications that block the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which reduces the production of bicarbonate in the body and changes how the kidneys handle acid-base balance and electrolytes.

What does “carbonic anhydrase inhibitor” mean in practice?

Because it inhibits carbonic anhydrase, acetazolamide can:
- act as a mild diuretic (it increases bicarbonate loss, which can lead to changes in urine output),
- cause a metabolic acidosis effect (from altered acid-base handling),
- be used for conditions linked to fluid pressure and electrolyte/acid-base changes, including certain eye and altitude-related uses.

Is acetazolamide also considered a diuretic?

It is sometimes described as a diuretic, but more specifically it is classified by its mechanism as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (the drug class).