Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces fluid production in the eye, making it effective for managing elevated intraocular pressure. It is primarily prescribed for certain types of glaucoma and is also used off-label for altitude sickness prevention and as an adjunct in seizure disorders.
Acetazolamide is an eye pressure-reducing medication primarily used to treat glaucoma by inhibiting aqueous humor production.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01EC01
- RxNorm
- 167
- Generic
- Acetazolamide
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
fetal and maternal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks to infant
monitor infant for side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
generalweight-based dosing required
use with caution in children; not recommended for extended use
monitor growth and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severecontraindicated
do not use in patients with severe renal impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderatereduce dose
reduce dose and monitor renal function
regular renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
generaluse with caution
use with caution; monitor for adverse effects
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
generalno specific adjustment
use with caution; start at lower end of dosing range
monitor for side effects and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for Acetazolamide
Drug class
Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Treats open-angle glaucoma and secondary glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure; also used for acute altitude sickness prophylaxis and as adjunctive therapy for certain seizure disorders.
Inhibits carbonic anhydrase enzyme in the ciliary body of the eye, reducing the production of aqueous humor and thereby decreasing intraocular pressure.
May cause metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, paresthesias, and taste alterations; contraindicated in sulfonamide allergy and severe renal/hepatic impairment; oral formulation available as alternative when topical glaucoma agents are insufficient.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy