What is Methazolamide?
Methazolamide inhibits a carbonic anhydrase protein. This protein is blocked, which reduces the fluid inside your eye.When certain types of glaucoma are present, methazolamide can be used to reduce the pressure within the eye.The diuretic methazolamide can also be used to treat congestive heart failure in order to decrease the accumulation of fluids in the body. Edema is the name for this buildup.The drug is used in the treatment of certain types of seizures and for treating or preventing altitude sickness.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of methazolamide.
Side effects of Methazolamide
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
The side effects of methazolamide can be serious. If you experience:
- Blood in the urine or stool;
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Loss of mobility in any part or parts of the body
- A blood cell disorder can cause sudden weakness, a sore throat, a fever, or pale skin.
- Liver problems: nausea, bloating, swelling of the upper abdomen, fatigue, dark-colored urine, sand-colored stool, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes);
- Signs of metabolic acidosis: confusion, vomiting, and irregular heartbeats
- Signs of kidney stones: pain in the side or lowerback; blood in urine; difficult or painful urination.
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling of the tongue or face, eye pain, and a reddish or purple rash that spreads to other parts of your body, especially your face and upper part.
Methazolamide can cause a number of side effects.
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite;
- Numbness and tingling in the arms or legs, particularly
- Drowsiness, confusion;
- Hearing problems: ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Increased urination
- Changes in taste
There may be other side effects.For medical advice regarding side effects, reach out to your physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects. Report side effects by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Acetazolamide, Pilocarpine Ophthalmic, Combigan, Diamox, Ophthalmic Carbachol, and Mitomycin Ophthalmic
Warnings
Methazolamide should be avoided if you suffer from cirrhosis or severe kidney or liver disease. You may also have an electrolyte imbalance, an adrenal gland problem, or an allergic reaction to methazolamide.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to methazolamide or have any of the following:
- Cirrhosis, or severe liver diseases;
- Severe kidney disease
- An electrolyte balance (such as acidosis or low potassium or sodium levels in the blood);
- Adrenal gland dysfunction
- Allergy to drugs containing sulfa
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that methazolamide will not harm you:
- Severe breathing problems
- Angle closure glaucoma;
- If you are also taking aspirin at high dosages,
This medicine is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or plans to get pregnant.Methazolamide is unknown to pass into breast milk. It's also not known if this drug could cause harm to a baby who was nursing. Breastfeeding mothers should not take this medicine.Methazolamide should not be used by those under the age of 18.
How to take Methazolamide?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor will occasionally adjust your dosage to ensure you achieve the best possible results. Use methazolamide only at the recommended dose. Do not exceed it. You may require frequent blood tests while using methazolamide. The treatment may include other drugs as well. You should follow your doctor’s advice. Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for glaucoma:
Take 50–100 mg 2–3 times per day.
Comment: It can be used in conjunction with miotics and osmotics.
Use: For the treatment of conditions such as open-angle chronic glaucoma and secondary glaucoma. also for acute angle closure glaucoma.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If your next dose is due soon, skip any missed ones. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Methazolamide can impair thinking and reactions. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Avoid tanning or exposure to the sun. Methazolamide may make it easier to get a sunburn. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and make sure to use sunblock with SPF 30 or more.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
- Steroid medicines (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others)
The list below is not exhaustive. Methazolamide may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all interactions.
