Aminozolamide gel. A trial of a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor in ocular hypertension

R. A. Lewis, R. D. Schoenwald, C. F. Barfknecht and C. D. Phelps

A topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, 6-amino-2-benzothiazolesulfonamide (aminozolamide), which is an analogue of ethoxzolamide, was studied in 18 patients with ocular hypertension. Significant lowering of intraocular pressure was achieved with a single 50-microL gel application compared with the untreated control eye. The onset of action occurred within two hours and lasted at least eight hours. No systemic side effects were elicited. Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be an important alternative in the medical management of glaucoma.