methazolamide

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trade name: Neptazane; drug class: carbonic an-hydrase inhibitor; action: decreases production of aqueous humor in the eye, which lowers intraocular pressure; uses: open-angle glaucoma or preoperatively in narrowangle glaucoma.

Brand names: GlaucTabs®Neptazane®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Methazolamide tablets (below)
• Methazolamide Oral tablet

Español:
• Tabletas de metazolamida
• Metazolamida, Tableta oral

Methazolamide tablets

What are methazolamide tablets?

METHAZOLAMIDE helps to treat glaucoma as well as certain kinds of tremors. It can also help to prevent altitude or mountain sickness. Generic methazolamide tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• Addison's disease (underactive adrenal gland)
• blood disorders or disease
• diabetes
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low levels of sodium or potassium in the blood
• lung disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methazolamide, sulfonamides, thiazide diuretics (water pills) other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take methazolamide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take methazolamide with food if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you are taking methazolamide to prevent mountain sickness, take the first dose 24 to 48 hours before you start the climb. Continue to take it while at high altitude as directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with methazolamide?

• amphotericin B
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• carbamazepine
• ciprofloxacin
• digoxin
• dextroamphetamine or amphetamine
• ephedrine (including ephedra or Ma Huang)
• mecamylamine
• methenamine
• mexiletine
• phenytoin
• pseudoephedrine
• quinidine
• quinine
• steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
• diuretics, or water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking methazolamide?

Ask your prescriber or health care professional about your potassium level. It is important not to have too little or too much potassium. You may need to take a potassium supplement or eat foods that are high in potassium if methazolamide is making your body lose too much potassium.

You may get drowsy; until you know how methazolamide affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney problems.

If you are diabetic, monitor blood sugar regularly. Methazolamide can increase sugar levels. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any changes.

What side effects may I notice from taking methazolamide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blood in urine, pain or difficulty passing urine
• black tarry stools
• confusion or mental depression
• dark yellow or brown urine, pale stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• dry mouth or increased thirst
• fever, sore throat
• lower back pain
• muscle weakness
• numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, fingers, feet, toes, mouth, lips, tongue, or anus
• ringing in the ears
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, itching
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• changes in taste or smell (metallic taste in mouth, loss of taste and smell)
• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• headache
• increased sensitivity of eyes to light
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• passing urine more often
• weight loss

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (50 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 3/23/2004 11:07:00 AM

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.