UK-SmPC: second-line drug for both tonic–clonic and focal seizures. It is occasionally helpful in atypical absence, atonic and tonic seizures. FDA-PI: adjunctive treatment of centrencephalic epilepsies (petit mal, unlocalised seizures).
Acetazolamide has limited use as an adjunctive therapy for a variety of seizures, but mainly absences [1]. However, it also controls myoclonic jerks, generalised tonic–clonic seizures (GTCSs) and focal seizures. It is particularly used for intermittent administration in catamenial epilepsy (5 days before the expected onset of menses and continued until termination of bleeding)[2];it is not recommended if there is a likelihood of pregnancy.
Adults: start treatment with 250 mg and increase to 500–750 mg. Children: 10–20 mg/day. Dosing: two or three times daily. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM): not needed. Reference range: 10–14 mg/l (400–700 μmol/l).
Frequent and/or/or important: flushing, lethargy, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, paraesthesiae and increased diuresis.
Serious: idiosyncratic reactions, as with other sulfonamides (rash, aplastic anaemia, Stevens–Johnson synd rome), renal failure; nephrolithiasis in chronic treatment and metabolic acidosis, as with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (see also topiramate).
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase-inhibiting drug that reversibly catalyses the hydration of CO2 and the dehydration of carbonic acid. It blocks the action of brain carbonic anhydrase, resulting in an elevation of intracellular CO2, a decrease of intracellular pH and depression of neuronal activity.
Oral bioavailability: >90%. Protein binding: 90–95%. Metabolism: does not undergo metabolic alteration. Excretion: renal. Elimination half-life: 12–14 hours.
Not significant: reduces carbamazepine levels; salicylates increase levels of acetazolamide due to competition at the renal tubule for secretion.
Unpredictable seizure efficacy, development of tolerance and idiosyncratic reactions that exceptionally may be fatal.