Final answer:
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to treat glaucoma, altitude sickness, epilepsy, and periodic paralysis, but it can cause metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalances, and other side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanism of Action, Clinical Uses, and Potential Toxicities of Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide is a diuretic and a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces the production of bicarbonate. By inhibiting carbonic anhydrase, acetazolamide reduces the conversion of bicarbonate into carbon dioxide, which leads to an increase in the excretion of bicarbonate, sodium, water, and potassium through the urine. This pharmacological action results in an alkaline urine and acidification of the blood.
The primary clinical use of acetazolamide is to treat glaucoma, a condition characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the eye leading to increased intraocular pressure. It is also used in the management of altitude sickness, certain types of epilepsy, and in patients with periodic paralysis to prevent attacks.
Regarding potential toxicities, acetazolamide can cause side effects such as metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalances (particularly hypokalemia), paresthesias, drowsiness, confusion, and may rarely induce severe allergic reactions. Due to its sulfonamide structure, it is not recommended for people with a known sulfonamide allergy.