Neptazane
Neptazane Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Neptazane is a brand name. Its generic name is Methazolamide.
Neptazane
Neptazane is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to lower intraocular pressure in the treatment of glaucoma. It is also beneficial for people with inherited forms of periodic paralysis. Its generic name is ‘Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor’ and is sold under the name Neptazane in North America. This drug is available as a tablet.
Uses of Neptazane
Neptazane is primarily used to treat glaucoma and inherited forms of periodic paralysis. It is often used as adjunctive therapy to other glaucoma medications and reduces intraocular pressure. When used for inherited periodic paralysis, it increases potassium levels and is an important aspect of treatment. Other off-label uses include treatment of cystinuria, renal tubular acidosis, seizures, altitude sickness and preventing cell death in the brain from high pressure.
Mechanism of Action
Neptazane works by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme which is essential for the regeneration of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in the body. By blocking this enzyme, it decreases the amount of aqueous humor, or fluid, produced in the eye. This in turn reduces intraocular pressure and decreases the progression of damage to the optic nerve caused by glaucoma.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
The effects of Neptazane can be seen within 1-2 weeks of starting the therapy. However, the full effects of the drug may not be seen until 8-12 weeks after starting it.
Absorption
Neptazane is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours.
Route of Elimination
Neptazane is eliminated in the urine, primarily as unchanged drug. Renal clearance accounts for approximately 60% of total body clearance.
Dosage
Neptazane is available as a tablet for oral administration. The recommended dose is 50-100 mg by mouth twice daily. The maximum daily dose is 600 mg (divided into three doses). Neptazane should be taken with food or with an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide.
Administration
Neptazane should be taken with food or with an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide. It should not be taken with milk or dairy products, as these can inhibit its absorption. It should be taken in divided doses and 25-50 mg per dose is recommended, with the total daily dose not exceeding 300 mg.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Neptazane include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. More serious side effects include a loss of too much body fluid (dehydration) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Rare but serious side effects include kidney failure, lactic acidosis, and bone marrow suppression.
Toxicity
The toxic dose of Neptazane is not known but it is likely to be high. Symptoms of overdose include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and coma.
Precautions
Neptazane should be used with caution in patients with heart or kidney disease, and in children. It should not be used by patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it could harm the baby. It should also not be used by patients with an allergy to sulfonamides, since Neptazane belongs to that class of drugs.
Interactions
Neptazane interacts with several other medications, including diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, melatonin, oral contraceptives, and lithium. It can also increase the risk of side effects from other drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics.
Disease Interactions
Neptazane should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, heart problems, or a history of kidney problems, as it can increase the risk of serious adverse events. It should also be used with caution in the elderly, as they are more likely to be affected by the drug’s side effects.
Drug Interaction
Neptazane may interact with other drugs such as diuretics, melatonin, oral contraceptives, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some antibiotics. It may also increase the risk of adverse effects from other drugs, such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, and digoxin.
Food Interactions
Neptazane should not be taken with milk or dairy products as it can decrease its absorption. High-fat meals may also decrease absorption of the drug.
Pregnancy Use
Neptazane should not be used during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that the drug is embryolethal and teratogenic. It can also cross the placenta and may be harmful to the developing fetus.
Lactation Use
Neptazane should not be used by women who are breastfeeding, as it can be passed on to the baby through breastmilk.
Acute Overdose
The signs and symptoms of an acute overdose of Neptazane may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, and coma. Treatment may involve gastric lavage with activated charcoal and supportive therapy.
Contraindications
Neptazane should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or to sulfonamides, or in patients with electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia or hyponatremia.
Use Directions
Neptazane should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken with food or an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide. It should not be taken with milk or dairy products, as these can inhibit its absorption. Doses should be taken in divided doses and not exceed 300 mg. It should also be taken at the same time each day to make sure it is effective.
Storage Condition
Store this medication in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Keep away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Neptazane is 0.54 L/kg.
Half Life
The half-life of Neptazane is approximately 3.7 hours.
Clearance
The renal clearance accounts for approximately 60% of total body clearance of Neptazane.
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