Indications
Methazolamide (active ingredient: methazolamide) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Glaucoma: Methazolamide is used for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or secondary glaucoma.
Methazolamide belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, which work by reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby lowering intraocular pressure.
Uses and Dosage
Methazolamide comes as a tablet to take orally as directed by a healthcare professional, usually 2 or 3 times a day. If stomach upset occurs while taking the medication, it may be taken with food. To prevent certain side effects, such as kidney stones, drink plenty of fluids unless directed otherwise by a healthcare professional.
The dosage is based on the person's medical condition and response to treatment. Take methazolamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Take Methazolamide regularly to receive the maximum benefits from the medication. To help remember when to take the medication, it should be taken at the same time each day. Continue taking the tablet even if there are no symptoms, as most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye(s) do not feel sick. Do not stop taking methazolamide without talking to your doctor.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Methazolamide:
- Altered sense of taste
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Hearing problems
- Increased urination
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling (especially in your arms and arms)
- Ringing in your ears
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Methazolamide:
- Bleeding gums
- Blood in urine or stools
- Burning in your eyes
- Chills
- Clay-colored stools
- Confusion
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Hives
- Ill feeling
- Irregular heartbeats
- Lack of energy
- Loss of movement in any part of your body
- Mouth sores
- Nosebleeds
- Pain in your side or lower back
- Painful or difficult urination
- Pale skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Sudden weakness
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Tired feeling
- Upper stomach pain or swelling
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Methazolamide is available in the following forms and strength:
Methazolamide: Scored Tablet
- 50mg
Caution
- Caution should be exercised in patients with liver or kidney disease, as Methazolamide is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
- Methazolamide can cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while taking this medication, until you know how it affects you.
- Methazolamide can increase the sensitivity of the eyes to light. So, avoid bright light and wear protective eyewear when in bright light.
- Methazolamide may cause low blood sugar levels, especially if you are taking it with other diabetes medication. So, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Methazolamide may cause metabolic acidosis, a condition that reduces blood pH levels, causing symptoms such as rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
- Methazolamide should be used with caution in patients on steroid therapy because of the potential for adrenal suppression.
- Notify your doctor if you are allergic to methazolamide or any other sulfonamide drugs before taking the medication.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking methazolamide as it may harm the baby.
- The drug has a potential of interaction with other medications, so tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking before starting Methazolamide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Methazolamide safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Methazolamide is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the fetus or infant.
Should Methazolamide be taken with food?
Methazolamide can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken with a full glass of water.
How long does it take for methazolamide to work?
The pressure-lowering effects of methazolamide start to kick in two to four hours after your dose.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a613034.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11642/methazolamide-oral/details
- https://www.goodrx.com/methazolamide/what-is
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=5e0795e1-d5c5-4b04-9bce-077bb8028023
- https://www.rxlist.com/methazolamide-drug.htm
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