Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

effect

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors attach to a molecular transporter (carbonic anhydrase) in the kidneys, which normally causes hydrogen to be excreted and thus couples to sodium bicarbonate. When this hydrogen excretion is inhibited, there is reduced bicarbonate binding and thus reduced water reabsorption. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors thus have a dehydrating effect and thus secondarily reduce the production of aqueous humor in the eye, which results in reduced intraocular pressure.

application areas

By lowering intraocular pressure in the eye, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used in ophthalmology Glaucoma treatment.

The following substances are used here: Brinzolamide (Azopt), Dorzolamide (Trusopt). These are to be used eye drop 2-3 times a day. In addition to reducing the aqueous humor, Trusopt also promotes blood flow on the optic nerve. The washout time is less than a week.

Side effects

Allergies are seldom described, but must be feared in isolated cases. Furthermore, one must expect increased hair growth and inform the patient accordingly. In traffic, the ability to react can be reduced at times.

Contraindications

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors should not be used in the case of a known kidney impairment or disorder of the mineral and water balance as well as an allergy to sulfonamides. In breastfeeding patients, treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors should not take place until after Weaning be considered.