Prescribing acetazolamide and prevalence of nephrolithiasis:  a systematic review

Don S. C. R. Wijayasuriya; Pinky T. M. Attale; Raashid M. Wani; Mudassir Wani

doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20254102

Authors

Don S. C. R. Wijayasuriya Department of Urology, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4938-0764
Pinky T. M. Attale Department of Emergency Medicine and Urgent Treatment Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
Raashid M. Wani Department of Oculoplastic Surgery, Kashmir Eye Hospital, Kashmir, India
Mudassir Wani Department of Urology, Cardiff, and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8940-2310

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20254102

Keywords:

Acetazolamide, Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, Nephrolithiasis, Renal stones

Abstract

Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI), is frequently prescribed for conditions such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), glaucoma, and metabolic disorders. Despite its clinical efficacy, concerns have arisen regarding its potential to cause nephrolithiasis. This literature review examines existing evidence from peer-reviewed articles to determine how much acetazolamide contributes to kidney stone formation, exploring incidence rates, proposed mechanisms, and clinical considerations. Findings indicate that although there is an increased risk of calcium phosphate stone formation during acetazolamide treatment, especially in the early stages, this risk remains relatively low and is affected by patient-specific factors.

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References

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