Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

• Generic/trade names: Acetazolamide (Diamox), brinzolamide (Azopt), dorzolamide (Trusopt), methazolamide (Neptazane, GlaucTabs)
  
  
• How carbonic anhydrase inhibitors work: These drugs reduce the rate of aqueous humor formation.
  
  
• Who should not use these medications
  
  
  • Persons allergic to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or sulfonamides.
    
    
  • Persons with liver or kidney disease
    
    
  • Persons with severe lung obstruction
    
    
  • Persons with inadequate adrenal function

• Use: These drugs are given as eyedrops, pills, and, for glaucoma emergencies, injections.
  
  
• Drug or food interactions: When administered systemically, such as with pills or injections, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may decrease therapeutic levels of lithium and alter the body’s elimination of amphetamines, quinidine, phenobarbital, or aspirin.
  
  
• Side effects: Individuals with liver disease may become comatose. Eyedrops may cause irritation of the eyelids.