Methazolamide

Methazolamide (trade name Neptazane) is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It is indicated in the treatment of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in chronic open-angle glaucoma and secondary glaucoma. Also it is used preoperatively in acute angle-closure (narrow-angle) glaucoma where lowering the IOP is desired before surgery.

This drug has displayed teratogenic effects in rats. Compared to another drug in the same class, acetazolamide, methazolamide requires a lower dose when administered to patients.

Recently, research has also uncovered a potential new role for this drug, addressing tau toxicity, a theorized cause for diseases such as Alzheimer’s.