Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a diuretic that functions by blocking the activity of carbonic anhydrase inside kidney tubule cells. This slows the formation of carbonic acid, which slows H⁺ the formation in the cells and Na⁺ reabsorption at the tubule. This results in the diuretic effect. Select from the following list the possible side-effects of Azetazolamide.
(1) Acidosis
(2) Reduced movement of bicarbonate ion into the plasma
(3) An alkaline urine is produced
(4) Respiration increases

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetazolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase, leading to reduced reabsorption of bicarbonate in the kidneys, which can cause metabolic acidosis (1) due to the accumulation of acids. This reduction in bicarbonate reabsorption (2) directly results from the drug's mechanism of action. The inhibition of carbonic anhydrase also leads to an increase in the excretion of bicarbonate, causing the urine to become more alkaline (3). The metabolic acidosis triggered by acetazolamide may stimulate the respiratory center, leading to increased respiration (4) as the body attempts to compensate for the acidosis by expelling more CO2.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) Is a Diuretic That Functions by Blocking the Activity