Methazolamide
Methazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used primarily to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. It works by decreasing the production of aqueous humor in the eye, helping to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss associated with elevated eye pressure.
Methazolamide is an eye pressure-lowering medication used to treat glaucoma by reducing fluid production in the eye.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01EC05
- RxNorm
- 6826
- Generic
- Methazolamide
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Methazolamide is used to treat open-angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and as a short-term treatment before surgery in acute angle-closure glaucoma. It may also be used off-label for altitude sickness prevention.
Methazolamide inhibits the enzyme carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body of the eye, which reduces the production of aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye), thereby lowering intraocular pressure.
Common side effects include taste alterations, nausea, and fatigue. Patients with sulfonamide allergies, severe kidney or liver disease, or adrenal insufficiency should avoid this medication. Regular monitoring of electrolytes is recommended during treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy