Glaucoma medication linked to SJS
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is warning the public about a medication used to treat a type of glaucoma because users could develop a serious and life threatening allergic reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Neptazane (methazolamide) is a sulfonamide derivative available as 25 mg and 50 mg tablets used in the treatment of an eye condition called open-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is caused by a gradual blockage of the outflow of fluid in the front compartment of the eye over a period of years, causing a slow rise in pressure. It is also used in the type called acute angle-closure glaucoma, when pressure within the eye must be lowered before surgery. The medication should not be used for any other type of glaucoma.