CARBONIC ANHYDRASE INHIBITORS

Commonly Used Drugs
Dorzolamide (Trusopt)
Brinzolamide (Azopt)
Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125mg, 250mg, 500mg
Methazolamide (Neptazane) 25mg, 50mg

Uses of This Medicine
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used to lower eye pressure in the treatment of glaucoma. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors lower eye pressure by reducing the pressure of aqueous (eye fluid). They may be used alone or in combination with other medications. These medications are given either as eye drops, or as pills that are taken orally.

Before Using This Medicine
Be sure to tell your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to any medications, especially Sulfa drugs
• Are pregnant or breast feeding
• Are taking prescription or non-prescription medications, especially aspirin.
• Have any other medical problems including severe kidney disease, kidney stones, liver disease (cirrhosis), adrenal dysfunction, or gout

Dosage and Administration
In glaucoma, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are given as eye drops or as oral tablets or slow release capsules. The usual dose of Trusopt or Azopt is 1 drop in the affected eye every 12 or 8 hours. The usual dose of Diamox for an adult ranges from 125mg to 250mg every 6 hours, or a 500mg sustained release capsule every 12 hours. Neptazane is usually given as 25 to 50mg every 12 or 8 hours. Use this medication only as directed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, do not try to catch up on this dosage by taking more than one dose at a time, since serious side effects may occur.

Side Effects
(this is a list of the most common side effects; for a complete list, see the insert provided with your medication)

Side effects of the drops include transient burning and stinging of the eye, blurred vision, and a bitter taste in the throat. Some people experience redness, irritation, or eye allergy. Less common effects of the drops include headache, fatigue, skin rash, and nausea.

Tingling or feeling of pins and needles in the hands, face or feet is the most common side effect of the oral form of this medication. Other side effects of the oral medication include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, gastrointestinal distress, loss of libido, and impotence. Stomach upset may be reduced by taking the medication with food. Kidney stones can occur, but most commonly in people who have a history of kidney stones within the past 5 years. Blood abnormalities and severe allergic reactions are very rare, but are the most severe side effect, and may be a fatal side effect of this medication. These reactions are extremely rare, and impossible to predict. These reactions could potentially occur with drops, also.

Special Precautions
Your doctor must be informed immediately if you notice easy bruising, bleeding, skin rash or if you experience a change in your overall well being while using these medications. Always inform all of your doctors about all medicines you take, so that they may be aware of potential drug interactions.

You must keep your regularly scheduled appointment with your eye doctor so the effect of this medicine can be monitored. All medicines should be taken exactly as prescribed. If you experience any problems with this medication, call your doctor immediately.