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Compare Methazolamide vs. Acetazolamide

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Methazolamide
    Acetazolamide
  • Methazolamide
    Acetazolamide

  • Summary of Methazolamide vs. Acetazolamide

    Summary for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Methazolamide is used to help lower eye pressure and treats eye conditions like glaucoma in adults. It belongs to the drug class called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Methazolamide is a tablet that's taken by mouth, and the dosage is taken 2 or 3 times a day. This medication has many potential side effects, including tingling in the arms or legs, ringing in the ears, and stomach upset. There are possible interactions with aspirin and steroids.

    Summary for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Acetazolamide is used to treat altitude sickness (mountain sickness). It can also help with glaucoma, edema (swelling), and epilepsy (a seizure condition). Acetazolamide can have side effects such as tiredness, stomach upset, and sometimes numbness and tingling of the face, arms, or legs. This medication comes as a generic immediate-release (IR) tablet and extended-release (ER) capsule; the brand-name Diamox is no longer available.

  • Indications of Methazolamide vs. Acetazolamide

    Indications for
    •High pressure in the eye, such as with glaucoma
    Indications for
    •Altitude sickness (mountain sickness)
    •Glaucoma
    •Edema (swelling in the body due to fluid buildup) - IR tablet only
    •Epilepsy (petit mal, unlocalized seizures) - IR tablet only

  • Pros and Cons of Methazolamide vs. Acetazolamide

    Pros and Const for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to lower pressure in the eyes
    •A tablet that's taken by mouth, which might be an option for people who don't like to use eye drops
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take multiple times a day
    •Many potential side effects, so not typically a first-choice option
    •Unknown if safe or works well in children
    Pros and Const for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Recommended preventative medication for altitude sickness if you're at moderate-to-high risk of developing this condition
    •Generally a well-tolerated medication
    •Can use in older people (at lower doses)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take multiple times a day
    •Might not be a good option if you have a sulfonamide ("sulfa") allergy
    •Not recommended for people with serious kidney or liver problems
    •Not known if it's safe or works well in children (those of all ages for immediate-release and those younger than 12 for extended-release)

  • Common Side Effects of Methazolamide vs. Acetazolamide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or "pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Weakness
    •Tiredness
    •Loss of appetite
    •Taste changes
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •More urination
    •Vision changes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness
    •Headache
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Methazolamide vs. Acetazolamide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Interaction with aspirin
    •Use with caution in people with breathing or lung problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in acid-base balance and electrolyte levels
    •Changes in blood sugar levels
    •Interaction with aspirin
    •Allergic reaction
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Methazolamide vs. Acetazolamide

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