Acetazolamide, a systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used in acute angle closure glaucoma and before intraocular surgery, is CONTRAINDICATED in which condition?
- A Diabetes mellitus
- B Sulpha drug allergy ✓
- C Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- D Hypertension
Correct answer: B. Sulpha drug allergy
Explanation
Acetazolamide is a sulphonamide derivative and is contraindicated in patients with sulpha drug allergy due to cross-reactivity risk, including potential for Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Other contraindications include hepatic insufficiency (risk of hepatic encephalopathy from reduced ammonia conversion), hyponatremia, hypokalemia, adrenocortical insufficiency, and sickle cell disease (metabolic acidosis worsens sickling). It can be used with caution in COPD and diabetes, though the metabolic acidosis it causes requires monitoring.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.