Drug reference
dichlorphenamide
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor · Diuretic
Carbonic Anhydrase InhibitorDiuretic
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Dichlorphenamide potently inhibits both the membrane-bound and cytoplasmic forms of carbonic anhydrase. This inhibition causes nearly complete elimination of NaHCO3 reabsorption in the proximal tubule, leading to increased Na+ and HCO3− excretion. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors also affect titratable acid secretion in the collecting duct system.
Indications
open-angle glaucomasecondary glaucomaacute-angle closure glaucoma (preoperatively)familial periodic paralysismetabolic alkalosisnormal-pressure hydrocephalusidiopathic intracranial hypertensionprevention of cystine renal calculirespiratory stimulant in stable hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
ID
Bioavailability
ID
Excretion
ID
Contraindications
- hepatic cirrhosis
- hyperchloremic acidosis
- severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Side effects
Common
drowsinessparesthesias
Serious
- bone marrow depression
- skin toxicity
- sulfonamide-like renal lesions
- allergic reactions
- hepatic encephalopathy (in hepatic cirrhosis)
- calculus formation (calcium phosphate salts in alkaline urine)
Related guidelines
Other Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor drugs
Ask House about dichlorphenamide
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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team