How it works: Methazolamide inhibits the actions of carbonic anhydrase, thereby reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eyes and therefore reducing pressure.
Cautions: The side effects of methazolamide may include GI disturbances, drowsiness, depression or excitement, changes in urination, diabetes, rash, hypersensitivity, or an increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Tell your veterinarian about any other medications you are giving your pet, and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences any of the above side effects.
More Information:
Brand Name Neptazane (Storz)
Generic Name Methazolamide (meth-a-zole’-a-myde)
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 1mg/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.
Directions:
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Methazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, is a prescription medication used in dogs to treat intra-ocular pressure (glaucoma) by reducing the amount of fluid in the eyes.
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Methazolamide is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs.
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Methazolamide may increase sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
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Tell your veterinarian about any other medications you are giving your pet.
Tip: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops fever, unusual bleeding, tremors in the legs, pain, or a rash.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
The usual dose is 1mg/ lb of the pet’s body weight 2 or 3 times a day
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Should be stored at room temperature and protect from light, moisture, and heat.
Methazolamide:
Active Ingredients (per tablet)
Amount
Methazolamide
25 mg
50 mg
Other Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Glyceryl Tribehenate, Povidone, Pregelatinized Starch, and Sodium Starch Glycolate.
I was told by an animal eye specialist that the only solution for my dog which was diagnosed with glaucoma was to have her eyes removed. My dog is like a child to me. I went to get a second opinion and they gave me a methazolamide presc. to help keep her pressures low and that she may not need the surgery to remove her eyes. I was all for it, of course with initial routine checkups. She has been doing very well with methazolamide for almost 2 years.
Some of the side effects that may occur in dogs include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, confusion, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and difficulty controlling blood sugar. You should contact your veterinarian if you see any change in your pets normal behavior.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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