Carbachol
Carbachol is a cholinergic ophthalmic agent used in combination with brimonidine for the treatment of presbyopia. It works by constricting the pupil to create a pinhole effect, which improves near visual acuity and depth of focus.
A prescription eye drop combination for presbyopia that improves near vision by constricting the pupil to create a pinhole effect.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N07AB01
- RxNorm
- 1999
- Generic
- Carbachol
- Class
- atc-n07
- Brands
- Yuvezzi, Isopto Carbachol, Miostat
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when clearly needed
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term due to potential uterine stimulation
uterine activity monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue or pump and discard
due to potential excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for cholinergic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infantsnot recommended
avoid use in infants due to lack of safety data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrenuse with extreme caution
only if other treatments unavailable
close monitoring for systemic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment needed
monitor for increased sensitivity to cholinergic effects
regular intraocular pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate
routine monitoring
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentuse with caution
monitor for systemic accumulation
renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentno adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate
routine monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution
monitor for systemic effects
liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Carbachol is a parasympathomimetic agent that acts on both muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Primary therapeutic uses
Carbachol is used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma and to stimulate bladder contraction for urinary retention
FDA approval year
Carbachol has been FDA approved for ophthalmic use since the 1970s
Mechanism of action
Carbachol acts as a cholinergic receptor agonist, stimulating parasympathetic responses
Treatment of presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects) in adults. Used as a fixed-dose combination with brimonidine.
As a cholinergic (muscarinic) agonist, carbachol causes pupillary constriction (miosis). The smaller pupil creates a pinhole effect that increases depth of focus, allowing for improved near visual acuity.
For topical ophthalmic use only. May cause temporary blurred vision or dimness of vision. Patients should use caution when driving at night. Contains preservatives that may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Available by prescription only.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy