METHAZOLAMIDE - ORAL (Neptazane) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions. (original) (raw)

GENERIC NAME: METHAZOLAMIDE - ORAL (meth-uh-ZOHL-uh-mide)

BRAND NAME(S): Neptazane

USES: This medication is used in combination with other medications to treat high pressure inside the eye due to certain types of glaucoma. Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness, vision loss, and nerve damage. Methazolamide belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the production of fluid inside the eye.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 2 or 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. To decrease the risk for certain side effects (e.g., kidney stones), drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not have any symptoms. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, loss of appetite, change in taste, vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness may occur. These effects may be temporary and decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blood in urine, numbness or tingling of hands/feet, painful urination, ringing in the ears, sudden decrease in amount of urine.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: confusion, easy bleeding/bruising, fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent nausea/vomiting, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), seizure, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking methazolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), severe kidney disease, severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., low sodium/potassium, hyperchloremic acidosis).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, emphysema, lung infection), diabetes, gout, kidney problems (e.g., history of kidney stones), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cisapride, methenamine.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting methazolamide.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital), carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drops (e.g., dorzolamide, brinzolamide), diabetes medications, digoxin, lithium.Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), which can cause serious side effects if taken in large doses with this medication. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

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OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., serum potassium level, complete blood count, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.