Which of the following side effects would you not expect from carbonic anhydrase inhibitors?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are medications primarily used to manage conditions such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and altitude sickness. They work by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which is crucial for the reabsorption of bicarbonate in the kidneys and influences the production of aqueous humor in the eyes.

Considering the side effects associated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, one would typically expect symptoms like drowsiness and fatigue, potentially due to altered electrolyte balance and changes in acid-base status. Kidney stones can also occur because these medications increase the likelihood of calcium shifting in the urine, leading to precipitation. Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet can happen as well, linked to peripheral neuropathy, which may arise from disruptions in bicarbonate and electrolyte levels.

On the other hand, changing the color of the iris is not a recognized side effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. This phenomenon is more closely associated with certain other medications, particularly prostaglandin analogs used in glaucoma treatment. These agents can lead to increased pigmentation of the iris, especially in individuals with lighter eye colors. Therefore, the change in iris color is not an expected outcome when using carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, making it the correct choice in