Indication: For treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma
Pharmacology: Methazolamide is topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Methazolamide is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are insufficiently responsive to beta-blockers. Methazolamide is a sulfonamide derivative; however, it does not have any clinically significant antimicrobial properties. Although methazolamide achieves a high concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid, it is not-considered an effective anticonvulsant. Methazolamide has a weak and transient diuretic effect, therefore use results in an increase in urinary volume, with excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride.
Mechanism Of Action: Methazolamide is a potent inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes of the eye decreases aqueous humor secretion, presumably by slowing the formation of bicarbonate ions with subsequent reduction in sodium and fluid transport.
Drug Category: Diuretics; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; ATC:S01EC05
Absorption: Methazolamide is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Interactions:
DrugBank: Interactions for Methazolamide
Interactions for Methazolamide:
Methazolamide should be used with caution in patients on steroid therapy because of the potential for developing
hypokalemia.
Caution is advised for patients receiving high-dose aspirin and methazolamide concomitantly, as anorexia,
tachypnea, lethargy, coma and death have been reported with concomitant use of high-dose aspirin and carbonic
anhydrase inhibitors.
Chemical IUPAC Name: N-(3-methyl-5-sulfamoyl-3H-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylidene)ethanamide
