More than 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, but not all know they have the disease. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to blindness. Although there is no cure, medications like Methazolamide are designed to slow vision loss and decrease pressure in the eye.
Glaucoma is caused by a type of protein called carbonic anhydrase, which causes the eye’s drainage canals to become clogged or covered over. Methazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which means it controls the effects of the protein.
What are some important things I should know about Methazolamide?
Methazolamide can cause severe dizziness and drowsiness. It is recommended that you do not operate motor vehicles or heavy machinery while taking Methazolamide. Also, it is unclear whether Methazolamide causes injury to unborn or nursing babies, so talk to your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Methazolamide.
Methazolamide is for people with glaucoma. Two main types of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common form, and closed-angle glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged. Pressure inside the eye builds and can cause permanent damage. This type of glaucoma often responds well to medications like Methazolamide.
Closed-angle glaucoma is much more rare than open-angle glaucoma. It occurs when drainage canals get blocked or covered, and the iris is not as wide and open as it should be. Treatment usually involves surgery.
- dizziness or drowsiness
- injury to unborn or nursing babies
- severe allergic reactions
- decreased appetite
- sore throat or other flu-like symptoms
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- groin pain
- tingling sensations
- rash
If you experience any of the side effects listed above, contact your doctor immediately, because they may be signs of serious injury. Less serious side effects include headache, nervousness, change in blood sugar levels, vision or hearing problems, and sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these problems as well.