ATC Group: S01EC Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Acetazolamide is an enzyme inhibitor which acts specifically on carbonic anhydrase. By inhibiting the reaction catalysed by this enzyme in the renal tubules, acetazolamide increases the excretion of bicarbonate and of cations, chiefly sodium and potassium, and so promotes alkaline diuresis. By inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the eye acetazolamide decreases intra-ocular pressure and is therefore useful in the treatment of glaucoma.

Brinzolamide is an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase II (CA-II). Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is an enzyme found in many tissues of the body, including the eye. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes of the eye decreases aqueous humour secretion resulting in a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) which is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of optic nerve damage and glaucomatous visual field loss.

Dichlorphenamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. However, the precise mechanism by which dichlorphenamide exerts its therapeutic effects in patients with periodic paralysis is unknown.

Dorzolamide is a potent inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase II. Following topical ocular administration, dorzolamide reduces elevated intra-ocular pressure, whether or not associated with glaucoma.