Carbachol eye solution

What is this medicine?

CARBACHOL (kahr buh kawl) is used in the eye to decrease pressure in certain kinds of glaucoma. It is also used to prepare the eyes for surgery.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before use. Remove contact lenses before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe excess liquid with a tissue. Wait several minutes before using other eye drops. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• eye pain

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• nausea, vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision

• diarrhea

• flushing

• headache

• sweating

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• cyclopentolate

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 8 and 27 degrees C (46 and 80 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• difficulty urinating

• heart disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• Parkinson's disease

• stomach or intestine problems

• thyroid disease

• wear contact lenses

• an unusual or allergic reaction to carbachol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• breast-feeding

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medicine can make your vision blurry. You may find it is difficult to see, especially at night. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires clear vision until you know how this medicine affects you.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or health care professional when you can use your lenses again.