Acetazolamide belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and is used to treat the eye condition, glaucoma, and also in conditions causing fluid retention and epilepsy. Acetazolamide acts by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase which catalyses the reversible reaction involving the hydration of carbon dioxide and dehydration of carbonic acid.

It acts by increasing the excretion of Bicarbonate (HCO3) ions and as well as Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K). The drug also inhibits carbonic anhydrase present in brain to retard abnormal and excessive discharge from neurons.