Carbachol

Generic name: carbachol ophthalmic [ KAR-ba-kall ]
Brand names: Carbachol Ophthalmic, Isopto Carbachol, Miostat
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 21, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Carbachol (carbachol ophthalmic)?

Carbachol lowers pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.

Carbachol ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat glaucoma.

Carbachol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Carbachol (carbachol ophthalmic)?

You should not use carbachol if you are allergic to it, or if you have swelling of your iris (the colored part of your eye).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have had a recent eye injury, heart failure or recent heart attack, high or low blood pressure, asthma, a stomach ulcer, an overactive thyroid, urination problems, Parkinson's disease, if you have had a retinal tear, if you are nearsighted, or if you have had cataract surgery.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Carbachol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using carbachol before putting in your contact lenses.

Call your doctor at once if you have vision problems, seeing "floaters" in your vision, or severe burning, stinging, or if you have eye irritation after using the eye drops.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Carbachol (carbachol ophthalmic)?

You should not use carbachol if you are allergic to it, or if you have swelling of your iris (the colored part of your eye).

To make sure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart failure or recent heart attack;

• high or low blood pressure;

• asthma;

• a stomach ulcer;

• an overactive thyroid;

• urination problems;

• Parkinson's disease; or

• if you have had a recent eye injury, a retinal tear, if you are nearsighted, or if you have had cataract surgery.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether carbachol ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether carbachol ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Related/similar drugs

latanoprost ophthalmic, acetazolamide, timolol ophthalmic, pilocarpine ophthalmic, brimonidine ophthalmic, Diamox, Lumigan

How should I use Carbachol (carbachol ophthalmic)?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

• Also wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Carbachol (carbachol ophthalmic)?

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Carbachol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using carbachol before putting in your contact lenses.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with carbachol unless your doctor tells you to.

Carbachol (carbachol ophthalmic) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• vision problems, seeing "floaters" in your vision;

• feeling like you might pass out;

• fast or slow heartbeats;

• wheezing, trouble breathing; or

• severe burning, stinging, or eye irritation after using the eye drops;

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;

• stomach cramps, vomiting;

• diarrhea;

• mild eye irritation; or

• increased sweating or urination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Carbachol (carbachol ophthalmic)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on carbachol used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01. Revision Date: 2012-10-15, 10:05:38 PM.