Acetazolamide

CHEMBL20 Phase 4 Approved Small molecule

Half-Life

—

Bioavailability

—

Protein Binding

—

Molecular Weight

222.3 g/mol

LogP

-0.3

Phase

4

Carbonic anhydrase catalyses the hydration of carbon dioxide, and inhibiting it with acetazolamide reduces the secretion of fluid in the eye and the brain. That single mechanism produces a spread of indications: glaucoma, prevention of altitude sickness and certain forms of epilepsy. Renal carbonic anhydrase inhibition adds a second consequence, since bicarbonate is then excreted in the urine, which can be turned to advantage in correcting particular acid-base disturbances. Increased urine output and paraesthesia in the hands and feet follow predictably from these actions and are expected rather than unusual. The compound is C4H6N4O3S2 with a molecular weight near 222.3 g/mol.

A medication that reduces the production of fluid in the eye and brain by inhibiting an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, making it useful for glaucoma, altitude sickness prevention, and certain types of epilepsy. It also promotes the excretion of bicarbonate in the urine, which can help correct certain acid-base disturbances in the body. Patients may notice increased urination and a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, which are common and expected effects.

Molecular Weight

222.3000 g/mol

LogP

-0.30

TPSA

152.00 Å²

Lipinski RO5

Pass

Therapeutic Areas

Epilepsy Glaucoma Neurology Ophthalmology

Mechanism of Action

A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Acetazolamide reversibly inhibits carbonic anhydrase, slowing the interconversion of carbon dioxide and water with bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. In the ciliary body this reduces aqueous humour formation and lowers intraocular pressure; in the proximal renal tubule it produces a bicarbonate diuresis and mild metabolic acidosis, which underlies its use in altitude sickness and certain seizure disorders.

Pharmacokinetics (PK)

Pharmacodynamics (PD)

Mechanism

A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Acetazolamide reversibly inhibits carbonic anhydrase, slowing the interconversion of carbon dioxide and water with bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. In the ciliary body this reduces aqueous humour …

2D Structure

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SMILES

CC(=O)Nc1nnc(S(N)(=O)=O)s1

InChI

InChI=1S/C4H6N4O3S2/c1-2(9)6-3-7-8-4(12-3)13(5,10)11/h1H3,(H2,5,10,11)(H,6,7,9)

Molecular Formula

C4H6N4O3S2

HBD / HBA

2 / 7

Rotatable Bonds

2

Heavy Atoms

13

No targets recorded

Target interaction data is not yet available for this drug.

No interactions recorded

Drug interaction data is not yet available for this compound.

No side effects recorded

Side effect data is not yet available for this drug.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medication that reduces the production of fluid in the eye and brain by inhibiting an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, making it useful for glaucoma, altitude sickness prevention, and certain types of epilepsy. It also promotes the excretion of bicarbonate in the urine, which can help correct certain acid-base disturbances in the body. Patients may notice increased urination and a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, which are common and expected effects.

A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Acetazolamide reversibly inhibits carbonic anhydrase, slowing the interconversion of carbon dioxide and water with bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. In the ciliary body this reduces aqueous humour formation and lowers intraocular pressure; in the proximal renal tubule it produces a bicarbonate diuresis and mild metabolic acidosis, which underlies its use in altitude sickness and certain seizure disorders.

Yes, Acetazolamide is an approved drug. It has reached clinical phase 4. It is classified as a Small molecule.

{# References & Data Sources section for drug detail pages. Renders standard pharmacological database links plus the drug's data_sources field. #}

References & Data Sources

ChEMBL — European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). CHEMBL20. Open-access bioactivity database.
PubChem — National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). CID 1986. Chemical information database.

Data aggregated from publicly available pharmacological databases. Last updated 2026-08-20.

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Structure

Quick Data

Formula: C4H6N4O3S2
Synonyms: 1

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medication decisions.

Data sources: ChEMBL, PubChem, DailyMed.