Last reviewed · How we verify
Acetazolamide + supplemental oxygen + PAP therapy
This combination therapy reduces periodic breathing and improves oxygenation in high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and related conditions by suppressing respiratory alkalosis, providing supplemental oxygen, and applying positive airway pressure.
This combination therapy reduces periodic breathing and improves oxygenation in high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and related conditions by suppressing respiratory alkalosis, providing supplemental oxygen, and applying positive airway pressure. Used for High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) with respiratory compromise, Periodic breathing at altitude.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acetazolamide + supplemental oxygen + PAP therapy |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development |
| Drug class | Combination therapy (carbonic anhydrase inhibitor + oxygen + mechanical ventilation support) |
| Target | Carbonic anhydrase (acetazolamide component); oxygen delivery and airway pressure modulation (supportive components) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pulmonary/Respiratory, High-Altitude Medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that causes metabolic acidosis, which stimulates ventilation and reduces periodic breathing patterns common at altitude. Supplemental oxygen directly increases arterial oxygen saturation. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy maintains airway patency and improves alveolar recruitment, collectively reducing hypoxemia and pulmonary edema formation.
Approved indications
- High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)
- High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) with respiratory compromise
- Periodic breathing at altitude
Common side effects
- Paresthesias (tingling in extremities)
- Altered taste (dysgeusia)
- Increased urination (polyuria)
- Mild metabolic acidosis
- Hypokalemia
- Oxygen-related complications (if prolonged)
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: