Ace the NBEO Ocular Pharmacology Challenge 2026 – Elevate Your Eye Care Expertise!

Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) are commonly used to manage conditions like glaucoma and to reduce intraocular pressure. While they have a range of side effects, the typical ones include metallic taste, metabolic acidosis, and in rare cases, aplastic anemia.

Metallic taste arises from the interaction of CAIs with taste receptors, causing an alteration in flavor perception. Metabolic acidosis can occur as CAIs inhibit carbonic anhydrase, affecting the bicarbonate buffering system in the body and leading to decreased bicarbonate levels. Aplastic anemia, although quite rare, represents a serious condition that can occur with various medications, including CAIs, as it involves decreased red blood cell production.

Masking of hypoglycemia is not a recognized side effect of oral CAIs. Hypoglycemia is typically managed by other agents, particularly those used in diabetes management, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, rather than by CAIs. Thus, the lack of a direct influence on blood glucose levels is the reason why this option is not a typical side effect associated with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.