Methazolamide
Methazolamide (meth a ZOE la mide) is a generic medication prescribed for glaucoma, also known as high pressure inside the eye. Methazolamide belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Methazolamide (meth a ZOE la mide) is a generic medication prescribed for glaucoma, also known as high pressure inside the eye. Methazolamide belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 50mg
- • 15 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Lee Holland, PharmD, MPH
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on November 3, 2023
Methazolamide (meth a ZOE la mide) is a generic medication prescribed for glaucoma, also known as high pressure inside the eye. Methazolamide belongs to a group of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Side effects
Side effects of methazolamide
Methazolamide may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of methazolamide and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about methazolamide’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for methazolamide listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with methazolamide are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about methazolamide’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for methazolamide listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Methazolamide oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- tingling in the hands and feet
- ringing in the ears
- fatigue (low energy)
- loss of appetite
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methazolamide” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of methazolamide are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about methazolamide’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for methazolamide listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, methazolamide’s serious side effects include:
- serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may be life threatening
- electrolyte imbalance
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methazolamide” section.
FAQ
Common questions about methazolamide
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about methazolamide.
What brand names are available for methazolamide?
Methazolamide oral tablet isn’t available as a brand-name drug. Currently, it’s only available as a generic drug. Past brand names for methazolamide include Neptazane, Glauctabs, and MZM.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. An active drug is the ingredient that makes medication work. Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
If you have questions about brand-name or generic drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How does methazolamide compare with acetazolamide?
Methazolamide and acetazolamide belong to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Both treat pressure and fluid buildup in the eye from glaucoma. But acetazolamide also has other uses.
For example, acetazolamide can be used to treat swelling due to heart disease. It works by causing your body to produce more urine, which can make you urinate more often. Acetazolamide can also be used for epilepsy and mountain sickness.
If you have questions about methazolamide or acetazolamide, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Can methazolamide cause long-term side effects?
No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with methazolamide. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects of methazolamide.
How does methazolamide work? And how long does it take to start working?
Methazolamide works by reducing the amount of fluid inside the eyeball. The mechanism of action is how a drug works. By reducing the amount of fluid in the eyeball, methazolamide lowers the internal eye pressure. It starts working about 2–4 hours after taking the first dose.
If you’d like to know more about how the drug works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of methazolamide
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as methazolamide for certain conditions. Approved uses for methazolamide are described below.
Use for lowering eye pressure
Doctors may prescribe methazolamide tablets for treating high eye pressure, also known as glaucoma. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With high eye pressure, you may not experience symptoms immediately. But over time, glaucoma can damage the nerves in the eye. This causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision and may eventually lead to blindness.
Methazolamide is prescribed together with other drugs to control glaucoma.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for methazolamide
Below, you’ll find information about methazolamide’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of methazolamide
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take methazolamide, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for methazolamide” section below.
Warnings for methazolamide
Some people should not take methazolamide, and others should take it cautiously.
Methazolamide could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether methazolamide is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of methazolamide you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for methazolamide, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Methazolamide can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to methazolamide or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe methazolamide. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- serious skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may be life threatening
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to methazolamide, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of methazolamide
If you take methazolamide by mouth, you should not take more methazolamide than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much methazolamide, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and methazolamide
Information about methazolamide and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Methazolamide and pregnancy
It’s not known whether methazolamide should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Methazolamide and breastfeeding
Methazolamide should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with methazolamide.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about methazolamide or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What are my options if I can’t afford my medication?
- Am I at higher risk of side effects than others?
- Do I need to take more than one medication for glaucoma?
Resources
Resources
- Methazolamide — methazolamide tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/042586b3-4d49-c5ae-e063-6394a90aaa7c/spl-doc#ID_137f6edf-0a1f-46f6-9d14-4044cdc75c0cURL
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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