Acetazolamide is classified as which type of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor?

Acetazolamide is classified as an oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. This categorization is due to its formulation and route of administration, which is typically given in pill form for systemic effects.

As an oral medication, acetazolamide functions by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which is crucial in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance. This inhibition leads to an increase in bicarbonate excretion in the urine, effectively reducing fluid retention, which is particularly useful in the treatment of conditions such as glaucoma, altitude sickness, and certain types of metabolic alkalosis.

The other classifications of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as topical, injectable, or transdermal, do not apply to acetazolamide because those forms are not its standard method of delivery. Topical forms are generally used for localized treatment in ophthalmic solutions, injectable forms would apply to medications delivered via injection for immediate effect, and transdermal refers to medications delivered through the skin. In contrast, acetazolamide’s typical administration as an oral tablet confirms its classification as an oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.