Carbachol
About Carbachol
Carbachol belongs to a class of miotics generally used to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve (necessary for optimal vision) due to unusually high eye pressure. However, some people with glaucoma may have normal eye pressure.
Carbachol contains Carbachol, a potent cholinergic agent which causes constriction of the pupil, thus reducing intraocular pressure.
Use Carbachol as directed by your doctor or instructions provided with the package insert under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional. It may cause some side effects like momentary burning or stinging of the eye, watering of the eye(s), blurred vision, and Irritation of the eye(s) and eyelid(s). Most side effects do not require medical treatment and fade with time. However, if the side effects persist, inform your doctor.
Carbachol should only be used for ophthalmic purposes; do not inject or swallow. Do not use Carbachol if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Carbachol. The safety and efficacy of Carbachol in pediatric patients have not been established. Allow at least ten minutes between ophthalmic medications if you use more than one. Carbachol may cause temporary blurred vision; caution is advised while driving or operating machines.
Uses of Carbachol
Medicinal Benefits
Carbachol contains Carbachol, a potent cholinergic agent which can be used for obtaining miosis during surgery. In addition, carbachol intraocular solution reduces the intensity of intraocular pressure elevation in the first 24 hours after cataract surgery. Carbachol causes constriction of the iris and ciliary body, thus reducing intraocular pressure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Carbachol
- Momentary burning or stinging of the eye
- Watering of the eye(s)
- Blurred vision
- Irritation of the eye(s) and eyelid(s)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
- Dizziness and light-headedness
Drug Warnings
Continue using Carbachol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to treat your illness effectively. If allergic to Carbachol or other medications, do not use them without consulting a doctor. Do not use Carbachol if pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor prescribes it. If it requires more than one ophthalmic medication, give each one at least a ten-minute interval or as the doctor recommends. Before using Carbachol, inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential negative effects. Carbachol may cause temporary blurred vision. Thus, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions were found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions were found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Let your doctor know if you have or have had Parkinson’s disease, high blood pressure, an obstruction of the urinary tract, any heart disease, any difficulties or lung problems, e.g. asthma or peptic ulcers.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNo interaction was found. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIn pregnant women, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies. As a result, it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether carbachol is excreted in breast milk, so exercise caution while administering if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
cautionCarbachol may cause temporary blurred vision; avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available about using Carbachol in patients with liver disease. If you have liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Carbachol.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available about using Carbachol in patients with kidney disease. If you have kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Carbachol.
Children
cautionCarbachol should not be used in children because its safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- If you wear contact lenses, clean and replace them more frequently.
- Never share your contact lenses. Always cleanse your hands before putting on the contact lens.
- Wipe your eyes and face with clean towels or tissues at all times.
- Maintain good hygiene to keep your eyes clean and clear of irritants. Do not rub your eyes.
- Avoid looking at digital screens for extended periods of time.
- Wash your hands thoroughly, and do not touch the dropper before using drops to avoid contamination.
Special Advise
- Routine eye examinations are suggested at least every two years to detect glaucoma.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye condition that occurs when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is injured. It is usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the front of the eye, which raises the pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can cause vision loss if it is not detected and treated early.
Ocular hypertension: Ocular hypertension is the accumulation of pressure in the eye caused by insufficient aqueous humour outflow (fluid inside the eye that maintains normal pressure).
FAQs
Carbachol is used to treat glaucoma.
Carbachol contains Carbachol, a potent cholinergic agent which causes constriction of the iris and ciliary body, thus reducing intraocular pressure.
Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on how long you should use Carbachol. Do not use Carbachol for any longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Carbachol can be used for intraocular purposes to obtain miosis during surgery.
Do not double the dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.
Carbachol may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after use. So, do not drive or operate machinery right after using Carbachol; wait until your vision is clear to avoid mishaps.
Glaucoma is an eye disorder that damages the optic nerve, which is essential for proper vision, often due to elevated eye pressure. However, some individuals with glaucoma may have normal eye pressure.
Carbachol is used in glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure during eye surgery. Carbachol functions by constricting the pupil, facilitating better fluid drainage and thereby lowering the pressure within the eye.
Headaches can occur as a side effect of Carbachol, though they are not very common. If you experience severe headaches, you are recommended to consult your doctor. Always, follow doctor’s guidelines.
You are recommended to contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of eye infection, severe allergic reactions, unusual dizziness, or any unusual symptoms.
No, you should remove your contact lenses before using Carbachol. You can re-insert those 15 minutes after administration. However, consult your doctor if you experience any persistent eye irritation.
If you need to use any eye drop along with Carbachol, you are recommended to wait at least ten minutes between each application or follow your doctor's guidance. Before using eye drops with Carbachol, consult your doctor to check for potential interactions. Avoid self-medication.
Carbachol should be avoided if you are allergic to any of its active components. Carbachol is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless prescribed by a doctor. As Carbachol may cause temporary blurred vision, you are advised to avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears. Please, contact a doctor if you have any concerns.
Carbachol causes side effects such as blurred vision, watering of eyes, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and light-headedness. Most of these are temporary and do not require any medical attention, as they will gradually reduce over time. Please, contact a doctor if these persist for longer durations.
