Effect of acetazolamide in blood acid-base and electrolyte values in dogs.

The effects of acetazolamide administration on arterial blood acid-base equilibrium and electrolyte concentrations were evaluated in 13 clinical patients and in a 4-week experiment in 6 conditioned mixed-breed dogs. Findings included persistent acidemia characterized by hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, elevated partial pressure of oxygen, and mild depletion of potassium. Changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide were variable, and there was no change in plasma sodium concentration or osmolality. Measured disturbances were apparent within 12 hours of the commencement of acetazolamide administration, peaked at between 1.5 and 5.0 days, and thereafter stabilized. Abnormalities were restored to normal within 1.5 days following termination of drug administration.