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Active pharmaceutical ingredient

Acetazolamide

Acetazolamide is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor widely utilized in various compounded formulations to manage conditions such as glaucoma, altitude sickness, and certain types of seizures.

Compounded to order
Prescription required
Warwick, Rhode Island

About this ingredient

Acetazolamide is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that plays a crucial role in the management of various medical conditions. It is primarily used to treat glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, by reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye. This mechanism helps in lowering the pressure and preventing optic nerve damage, thereby preserving vision.

In addition to its ophthalmic applications, acetazolamide is also effective in managing altitude sickness, epilepsy, and certain types of edema. By promoting diuresis, it helps in the excretion of bicarbonate, which can be beneficial in conditions where fluid retention is a concern. Its ability to alter the acid-base balance makes it a versatile agent in the treatment of metabolic alkalosis.

Acetazolamide's pharmacokinetics involve rapid absorption and distribution, with a half-life that supports its use in both acute and chronic settings. It is metabolized minimally, with the majority excreted unchanged in the urine, making it a suitable option for patients with hepatic impairment. However, caution is advised in those with renal dysfunction due to the risk of accumulation and potential side effects.

Common side effects of acetazolamide include paresthesia, gastrointestinal disturbances, and electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. It is important for prescribers to monitor patients for these adverse effects and adjust dosages accordingly. Drug interactions, such as with other diuretics or medications affecting renal function, should also be considered to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Overall, acetazolamide is a valuable API in compounded formulations, offering flexibility in dosing and administration to meet the specific needs of patients. Its diverse applications and well-established efficacy make it a staple in the therapeutic arsenal for conditions requiring carbonic anhydrase inhibition.

Available formulations

Compounded formulations containing this ingredient

Each of these is compounded to order at our Warwick, Rhode Island pharmacy and requires a prescription.

We do not have a patient page for this ingredient yet. That does not mean we cannot make it. Bayview compounds this ingredient to a prescriber's order, and our full compounding formulary lists every preparation we make. Viewing the formulary requires a prescriber account.

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Compounding formulary

Formulas we compound with this ingredient

A sample of preparations from our formulary. Strengths and dose forms are customised to the prescription.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

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Related

Related active ingredients

Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.

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Important information

This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.

A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.

Talk to a compounding pharmacist

Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.