Methazolamide - Oral

Methazolamide is used to treat certain types of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) called open-angle glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.

This medicine may also be used before an eye surgery if lowering the pressure in the eye is needed.

Take Methazolamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Try to take it at the same time each day.

Methazolamide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• adrenal gland failure (a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough essential hormones)
• hyponatraemia (low sodium level in the blood)
• hypokalaemia (low potassium level in the blood)
• hyperchloraemic acidosis (low bicarbonate and high chloride levels in the blood)
• severe kidney disease
• severe liver disease

as Methazolamide may not be suitable for you.

This medicine is not intended for the long-term management of a certain type of glaucoma called angle-closure glaucoma.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• diabetes
• lung disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.

Methazolamide may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in taste, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, ringing in the ears, tiredness, and loss of appetite.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• muscle cramping, spasm or pain; severe stomach pain or vomiting, abnormal heartbeat, changes in balance, seizures
• fast heartbeat or breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, sleepiness, feeling very tired or weak
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles

This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.

White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines)
• high-dose aspirin (medicine for pain and inflammation)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Methazolamide.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.