Diamox and CO2 levels?

[Remy]

I am very confused about the effects of Diamox on CO2 levels and why one is advised to take baking soda concurrently with Diamox.

I’ve read on this site that Diamox will lower CO2…but that seems in direct contrast to what other sources say.

For example, “Acetazolamide will block the conversion of CO2 into bicarbonate, which will acutely increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the tissues and blood.” https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/442088

This next article states, “Urinary pH increased from 6 to about 8.5 during
the first 2 days on Diamox. On further administration of Diamox urinary pH returned to its pretreatment level of about 6.0 and
remained constant at that level.” Carbonic anhydrase inhibition in the management of symptomatic peptic ulcers : Clinical studies with diamox on 125 patients

I don’t understand how we can use either blood CO2 or urine pH, in this case, if the blood CO2 is increased and the urinary pH is alkalized and then unchanged by Diamox?

Could you please help me understand?

Thank you!

[Dr. Diana]

Hi Remy, you are right that urine and saliva pH is not an accurate determinant of blood levels of CO2. Try as I might (and we tried everything!), we couldn’t get accurate measures of CO2 via blood or saliva. Instead, we have to go to blood tests. If you google ‘pubmed how acetazolamide lowers CO2’, they will talk you through the science. Gentle hugs…

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