How does a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor work?

Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. That means this drug works to cause an accumulation of carbonic acid by preventing its breakdown. The result is lower blood pH (i.e., more acidic), given the increased carbonic acid, which has a reversible reaction into bicarbonate and a hydrogen ion.

What is the role of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor?

In the eyes, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce the production of aqueous humor by the epithelium of the ciliary body by reducing the production of bicarbonate ions and presumably reducing fluid flow.

How carbonic anhydrase inhibitors decrease CSF?

Methazolamide, like other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, also decreases formation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by the choroid plexus and decreases the ocular fluid formation by decreasing bicarbonate secretion by the ocular ciliary body. This effect on aqueous humor formation decreases ocular pressure.

What is the action of carbonic anhydrase?

The main role of carbonic anhydrase in humans is to catalyze the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbonic acid and back again. However, it can also help with CO2 transport in the blood which in turn helps respiration. It can even function in the formation of hydrochloric acid by the stomach.

How are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used in the kidneys?

[1] [2] In the kidneys, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) result in the inhibition of bicarbonate uptake by the proximal tubule, resulting in alkalization of urine. In the eyes, CAIs are classically used in the management of glaucoma due to their ability to reduce the secretion of aqueous humor, thereby lowering the intraocular pressure.

What is the mechanism of action of CAIS?

Mechanism of Action. CAIs work by inhibition of luminal and cellular carbonic anhydrase, resulting in an alkaline diuresis with impaired reabsorption of Na+, Cl−, and HCO3− and decreased excretion of titratable acid and NH4+. There is substantial kaliuresis, although hypokalemia is uncommon.

What can you do to reduce activity of carbonic anhydrase?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce the activity of carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the reaction between carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid and then bicarbonate.

How are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used in the eyes?

In the eyes, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce the production of aqueous humor by the epithelium of the ciliary body by reducing the production of bicarbonate ions and presumably reducing fluid flow. The reduction in aqueous humor production lowers the intraocular pressure, making these drugs favorable in patients with glaucoma.