Carbachol

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > C



How does it work?

Carbachol is a parasympathomimetic medicine which mimics the action of acetylcholine, a natural chemical found in the body. Acetylcholine stimulates "muscarinic" receptors, which are found in many organs in the body. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors in the bladder increases the strength of contraction of the bladder muscle and encourages bladder emptying. Carbachol is commonly used when urinary retention is a problem.

What is it used for?

- Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Use with caution in

- Elderly people

Not to be used in

- Asthma
- Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)
- Children
- Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention) following surgery
- Epilepsy
- Hyperthyroidism
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Obstruction of the urinary tract (urethra)
- Parkinson's disease
- People who have recently had a heart attack
- Peptic ulcer
- Pregnancy
- Slow heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Take this medication half to one hour before food.

Side effects