Which blood tests are needed for prolonged use of acetazolamide?

For the prolonged use of acetazolamide, monitoring of renal function and blood components is essential due to the drug's mechanism of action and its effects on the body. Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used primarily to treat conditions like glaucoma, edema, and certain types of metabolic alkalosis, and it affects electrolyte balance and kidney function.

The involvement of estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) helps assess the kidney's ability to filter blood, ensuring that the dosages of acetazolamide remain safe, particularly since it can be nephrotoxic if renal function declines. Additionally, the Full Blood Count (FBC) provides information about the body's overall health and can help detect conditions such as anemia or thrombocytopenia, which may arise with acetazolamide therapy.

Other choices may include tests that are relevant in certain contexts, but they are not as directly tied to the specific monitoring needs when prolonged treatment with acetazolamide is considered. For example, while liver function tests are important for other medications, they do not play a significant role in monitoring acetazolamide’s safety profile. Similarly, blood glucose testing is more pertinent for drugs that influence glucose metabolism. Thyroid function tests are generally unrelated to acet