Treatments

Acetazolamide is the most common treatment and is effective in 60% of patients. Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase is a family of enzymes that contain metal atoms. Carbonic anhydrase helps convert carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid more quickly. Acetazolamide prevents carbonic anhydrase from helping the conversion.

Triamterene and spironolactone are potassium-sparing diuretics and are used only when acetazolamide is not effective. Both drugs keep potassium from being added into urine, thereby keeping more potassium in the body.

During an attack, the intake of potassium can stop the attack however it is not effective in preventing attacks.