Carbachol
Description
Carbachol is used for reducing the intensity of increased fluid pressure inside the eye (intraocular hypertension) in the first 24 hours after cataract surgery and for the production of miosis (excessive constriction of the pupil of the eye) during ophthalmic surgeries. The topical ophthalmic solution of this medicine (eye drops) is used to treat glaucoma (open and narrow-angle), a condition that may eventually lead to vision loss
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Carbachol
- Blurred vision
- Changes in vision
- Eye pain
- Eye swelling
- Headache
- Dizziness
Uses of Carbachol
What is it prescribed for?
- Intraocular hypertension
- Production of miosis
- Glaucoma
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 10 to 20 minutes for ophthalmic instillation and 2-3 minutes for intraocular injection.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 4 to 8 hours for ophthalmic instillation and 24 hours for intraocular injection.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving/using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving/using this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to carbachol or any other inactive ingredients present along with this medicine.
Uveitis
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from uveitis since it may worsen the patient's condition.
Acute iritis
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with acute iritis since it may worsen the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving/using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving/using this medicine.
General warnings
Asthma
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with asthma due to the risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Peptic Ulcer
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease due to the risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Acute heart failure
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with acute heart failure due to the risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Corneal abrasion
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with corneal abrasion due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Urinary tract obstruction
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with urinary tract obstruction due to the risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Hyperthyroidism
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) due to the risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Use in Children
This medicine is not recommended for use in children less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Driving or operating machines
Use of this medicine may cause symptoms such as blurred vision or visual disturbances in some patients. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery until your symptoms clear.
Contact lens
Based on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may advise you to avoid the use of contact lenses. If you are allowed to use contact lenses, remove them prior to the administration of the topical ophthalmic form of this medicine (eye drops). They can be reinserted 15 minutes post administration.
Missed Dose
Eye drops: Administer the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Injection: Since this medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Eye drops: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Injection: Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Amitriptyline
Risperidone
Atropine
Nortriptyline
Azatadine
Clozapine
Imipramine
Diphenhydramine
Acrivastine
Disease interactions
Retinal detachment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for retinal detachment such as old age, retinal degenerative changes or other retinal disorders, aphakia, prior cataract extraction, or a history of severe myopia or retinal detachment due to the increased risk of retinal detachment. Fundus examination is advised in all patients before starting therapy with this medicine. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Cataract
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with or predisposed to cataracts due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Eye drops: Use this medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not administer in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Injection: This medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the hospital setting. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines including herbs and supplements as well as all your medical conditions before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by reducing the fluid pressure inside the eyes as well as reducing the size of the pupil.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Ophthalmic glaucoma agents, Miotics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Pharmaline.co.il. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Pdf.hres.ca. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
Carbachol [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
Carbachol - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
Carbachol Eye Drops [Internet]. Goforyourlife.vic.gov.au. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 22 Jan 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.