Uses
Methazolamide is used to treat glaucoma (a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision). Methazolamide is in a class of medications called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the pressure in the eye.
Side Effects Of Methazolamide
Methazolamide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
- hearing problems or ringing in the ears
- tiredness or lack of energy
- vomiting or diarrhea
- change in how things taste
- increased urination
- vision changes
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- blisters or peeling skin
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- muscle weakness
- seizures
- nausea
- extreme tiredness
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
Methazolamide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking methazolamide:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methazolamide, sulfa drugs, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in methazolamide tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); and vitamins. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a liver, kidney, or adrenal gland disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take methazolamide.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had lung disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking methazolamide, call your doctor.
- you should know that methazolamide may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Methazolamide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Dosage Of Methazolamide
Methazolamide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day. Take methazolamide at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take methazolamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Methazolamide controls glaucoma but does not cure it. Continue to take methazolamide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking methazolamide without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to methazolamide.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
