Methazolamide

Methazolamide lowers the activity of a protein in your body called carbonic anhydrase. By blocking this protein, it can help decrease the amount of fluid in the eye, which reduces pressure inside the eye.

Methazolamide is used to lower intraocular pressure in people with certain types of glaucoma.

Methazolamide is also used as a diuretic ("water pill") for people with congestive heart failure, to help reduce fluid build-up in the body, known as edema.

Methazolamide is also used to treat certain types of seizures and to treat or prevent altitude sickness.

Methazolamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may sometimes change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not use methazolamide in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

While using methazolamide, you may need frequent blood tests.

Methazolamide may be just one part of a complete treatment plan that may also include other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

You should not use methazolamide if you have cirrhosis, severe liver or kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland failure, or an allergy to methazolamide or sulfa drugs.

You should not use methazolamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease, or cirrhosis;
• severe kidney disease;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as acidosis or low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood);
• adrenal gland failure; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

To make sure methazolamide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• severe breathing problems;
• angle closure glaucoma; or
• if you also take aspirin in high doses.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether methazolamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Methazolamide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Methazolamide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• blood in your urine or stools;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• loss of movement in any part of your body;
• a blood cell disorder--sudden weakness or feeling unwell, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, pale skin, feeling tired or short of breath, rapid heart rate, nosebleeds, bleeding gums;
• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain or swelling, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of metabolic acidosis--confusion, vomiting, lack of energy, irregular heartbeats;
• signs of a kidney stone--pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination; or
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects of methazolamide may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
• numbness or tingling, especially in your arms and legs;
• drowsiness, confusion;
• hearing problems, ringing in your ears;
• increased urination; or
• altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma:

50 to 100 mg orally 2 or 3 times a dayComments: May be used concomitantly with miotic and osmotic agents.Use: Treatment of ocular conditions where lowering intraocular pressure is likely to be of therapeutic benefit, such as chronic open-angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and preoperatively in acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

methazolamide may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert.

Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Methazolamide can increase your risk of sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outside.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any that you start or stop, especially:

• steroid medicine (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with methazolamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included in this medication guide.