Methazolamide
Methazolamide (Neptazane)
Methazolamide
(meth-ah- ZOH-lah-myd)
Pregnancy Category: C Glauctabs Neptazane (Rx)

Classification: Antiglaucoma drug

Action/Kinetics: Inhibition of carbonic anhdyrase decreases the secretion of aqueous humor resulting in a decrease in intraocular pressure. Has weak diuretic effects and, due to inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, produces an alkaline urine. Excretion of both urinary citrate and uric acid is decreased. Distributed to the plasma, CSF, aqueous humor of the eye, red blood cells, bile, and extracellular fluid. Onset: 2-4 hr. Peak effect: 6-8 hr. Duration: 10-18 hr. t 1/2, elimination: 14 hr. About 25% excreted unchanged in the urine.

Uses: Treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma. Preoperatively in acute angle-closure glaucoma to lower IOP prior to surgery.

Contraindications: Use in marked kidney or liver disease or dysfunction, in adrenal gland failure, and in hyperchloremic acidosis. Long-term use in clients with angle-closure glaucoma, since organic closure of the angle may occur even if IOP is lowered. Lactation.

Special Concerns: Use with caution in those with pulmonary obstruction or emphysema as acidosis may be aggravated or precipitated. Use with caution in those with cirrhosis or hepatic insufficiency due to the possibility of hepatic coma. The safety and efficacy have not been determined for use in children.

Side Effects: GI: Taste alteration, N&V;, diarrhea, melena. CNS: Paresthesias (especially a "tingling" feeling in the extremities), fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, drowsiness, confusion, convulsions. Metabolic: Metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalance. GU: Polyuria, hematuria, glycosuria. Rarely, crystalluria and renal calculi. Dermatologic: Urticaria, photosensitivity. Miscellaneous: Hearing dysfunction or tinnitus, transient myopia, hepatic insufficiency, flaccid paralysis.
NOTE: Side effects may be observed that are due to the sulfonamide. See Sulfonamides.

Drug Interactions: Aspirin (high doses) / Symptoms of anorexia, tachypnea, lethargy, coma, and death are possible Corticosteroids / Risk of hypokalemia

How Supplied: Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Glaucoma.
50-100 mg b.i.d.-t.i.d.