Isopto Carbachol

Carbachol reduces eye pressure by helping more fluid drain from the eye.

Isopto Carbachol (for the eye) is used to lower pressure inside the eye after cataract surgery.

Isopto Carbachol may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Before you use Isopto Carbachol, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are taking. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In some situations, you may not be able to use this medicine, or you may require a dose adjustment or special precautions.

You should not be treated with Isopto Carbachol if you are allergic to it.

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

• swelling of your iris (the colored part of your eye);
• a detached retina;
• heart failure;
• asthma;
• a stomach ulcer;
• an overactive thyroid;
• urination problems;
• Parkinson's disease; or
• an allergy to latex.

It is not known whether Isopto Carbachol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether carbachol ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

Isopto Carbachol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• new or sudden vision problems;
• seeing "floaters" in your vision; or
• urination problems.

Common side effects of Isopto Carbachol may include:

• blurred vision;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• stomach pain or upset;
• headache; or
• a tight feeling in your bladder.

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.

Isopto Carbachol is given as an injection into your eye. Your doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or other clinic setting.

Since Isopto Carbachol is given by a healthcare professional during surgery, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Since Isopto Carbachol is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and see clearly.

It is unlikely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect carbachol used in the eyes. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.