What is the most important information I should know about methazolamide: Methazolamide is a prescription medication that is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs. Methazolamide is available as 25mg and 50mg tablets. The usual dose for dogs is 10mg/pound 2 or 3 times a day. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops fever, unusual bleeding, tremors in the legs, pain or a rash. These symptoms could be early signs of a serious side effect. Methazolamide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Methazolamide may increase sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
What is methazolamide: Methazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to treat glaucoma by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eyes. Methazolamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving methazolamide to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa based drug such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon) or sulfamethoxazole (SMZ-TMP, Bactrim, Septra). Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking aspirin, or if your pet has liver, kidney, heart or lung disease or hormonal disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: Give Methazolamide exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Give methazolamide with food and have water readily available to the pet. Store methazolamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness, shaking, and ringing in the ears.
What should I avoid while giving methazolamide to my pet: Methazolamide may cause drowsiness. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
What are the possible side effects of methazolamide: Stop giving methazolamide and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, face; and hives), fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, pain, tingling or tremors in the legs, or a rash. Other less serious side effects that may occur include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, difficulty controlling blood sugar, hearing or vision problems. Continue to give the medication and contact your veterinarian.
What other drugs will affect methazolamide: Before giving methazolamide, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given cyclosporine, primidone, aspirin, choline salicylate or other salicylates. Also tell your veterinarian of any other medications you are giving that may cause drowsiness such as pain relievers, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants or any other prescription or over the counter medications.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about methazolamide written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. | 
