Ethoxzolamide – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 7 min read

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Ethoxzolamide is a sulfonamide and carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor with diuretic and anti-glaucoma activity. In the eye, ethoxzolamide inhibits CA, thereby decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor. This may relieve intraocular pressure. Also, this agent prevents reabsorption of bicarbonate and sodium in the proximal convoluted tubule thereby producing...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Mechanism of Action in simple medical language.
This article explains Indications of Ethoxzolamide in simple medical language.
This article explains Contraindications of Ethoxzolamide in simple medical language.
This article explains Dosage in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

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Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

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Definition

Ethoxzolamide is a sulfonamide and carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor with diuretic and anti-glaucoma activity. In the eye, ethoxzolamide inhibits CA, thereby decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor. This may relieve intraocular pressure. Also, this agent prevents reabsorption of bicarbonate and sodium in the proximal convoluted tubule thereby producing a mild diuresis.

Ethoxzolamide is a sulfonamide that is 1,3-benzothiazole-2-sulfonamide which is substituted by an ethoxy group at position 6. A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, it has been used in the treatment of glaucoma, and as a diuretic. It has a role as an EC 4.2.1.1 (carbonic anhydrase) inhibitor, a diuretic, and an antiglaucoma drug. It is a member of benzothiazoles and a sulfonamide.

Ethoxzolamide is a sulfonamide used as a diuretic and in glaucoma. It inhibits carbonic anhydrase activity in proximal renal tubules to decrease the reabsorption of water, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate. Its pharmacological activity thus confers the risk for hypokalemia.

Mechanism of Action

Ethoxzolamide binds to and inhibits carbonic anhydrase I, which plays an essential role in facilitating the transport of CO2 and H+ in the intracellular space, across biological membranes, and in the layers of the extracellular space. Through inhibition of the enzyme, the balance of applicable membrane equilibrium systems are affected.

Ethoxzolamide is an inhibitor of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme in proximal renal tubules that works by decreasing the reabsorption of water, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate. It also decreases the activity of carbonic anhydrase expressed in the CNS, which leads to an increased seizure threshold. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the eye contributes to its effect of reducing intraocular pressure and decreasing aqueous humor.

Indications of Ethoxzolamide

For use in the treatment of duodenal ulcers, as a diuretic, and in the treatment of glaucoma, and may also be useful in the treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Diuretics
For use in the treatment of duodenal ulcers, as a diuretic, and in the treatment of glaucoma, and may also be useful in the treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors enhance sodium excretion by reducing sodium bicarbonate reabsorption in the early proximal convoluted tubule. Passive sodium chloride reabsorption in the late proximal convoluted tubule is consequently decreased, potassium excretion is increased during initial therapy. Clinically significant hypokalemia is seldom a problem because excess hydrogen ions in the extracellular fluid tend to diffuse into the cells and displace potassium ions. After several days of continuous administration, a mild hyperchloremic acidosis develops, which decreases the diuretic effect.

Contraindications of Ethoxzolamide

Information not available

Dosage

Information not available

Side Effects of Ethoxzolamide

The most Common

paresthesias, “tingling” feeling in the extremities,
some loss of appetite,
polyuria,
occasional drowsiness,
confusion and photosensitivity
papular or erythematous skin eruptions,
nausea,
acidosis and blood dyscrasias.
myopia, malaise syndrome,
fatigue,
anorexia,
loss of weight,
depression and loss of libido;
gastrointestinal distress,
elevated blood urate,
acute gouty pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis skin rashes and hair loss or excess growth of hair.

Common

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
Signs of electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, seizures, not hungry, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
Change in eyesight.
Change in hearing.
Ringing in ears.

Rare

Paresthesias, hearing dysfunction or tinnitus, anorexia, altered taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, drowsiness, confusion.
A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
Pain when passing urine or blood in the urine.
Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
Muscle weakness.
Change in balance.
Trouble moving around.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Change in taste.
Diarrhea.
Not hungry.
Blurred eyesight.
Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">Headache.
Flushing.
Feeling nervous and excitable.

Drug Interactions of Ethoxzolamide

View interaction reports for ethoxzolamide and the medicines listed below.

diphenhydramine
CoQ10 ubiquinone
duloxetine
Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
furosemide
pregabalin
esomeprazole
acetaminophen / hydrocodone
acetaminophen
albuterol
magnesium salicylate
metformin
methazolamide
dichlorphenamide
dofetilide
dronedarone
droperidol
citalopram
clobazam
clonazepam
clorazepate
clozapine
corticorelin
corticotropin
cortisone
montelukast
levothyroxine
topiramate
acetaminophen
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
ondansetron
cetirizine

Pregnancy Category

Pregnancy

Ethoxzolamide is pregnancy category B3 in Australia, which means that studies in rats, mice, and rabbits in which ethoxzolamide was given intravenously or orally caused an increased risk of fetal malformations, including defects of the limbs.^[rx] Despite this, there is insufficient evidence from studies in humans to either support or discount this evidence.^[rx]

Lactation

Limited data are available on the effects of nursing mothers taking ethoxzolamide. Therapeutic doses create low levels of breast milk and are not expected to cause problems in infants.^[rx]

Before taking acetazolamide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic toethoxzolamide sulfa drugs, diuretics (‘water pills’), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines, aspirin, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), medications for depression or irregular heartbeat, diflunisal (Dolobid), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics (‘water pills’), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), phenobarbital, primidone (Mysoline), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease; or insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking ethoxzolamide, call your doctor immediately.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ethoxzolamide.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Ethoxzolamide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first

If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story

Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician

A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests

Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse

If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

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