DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Carbachol

March 21, 2017

Carbachol Ophthalmic drops, 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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

  • cyclopentolate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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 these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • blurred vision

  • diarrhea

  • flushing

  • headache

  • sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Carbachol Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

CARBACHOL (kahr buh kawl) is used to decrease eye pressure during certain kinds of eye surgery.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • breast-feeding

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

This does not apply. This medicine will be given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

  • cyclopentolate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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 these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • blurred vision

  • diarrhea

  • flushing

  • headache

  • sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert