Isopto Carbachol Side Effects

Generic name: carbachol ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Isopto Carbachol Side Effects associated with carbachol ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Isopto Carbachol.

Applies to carbachol ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

Your doctor should check your eye pressure at regular visits.

After you apply this medicine to your eyes, your pupils may become unusually small. This may cause you to see less well at night or in dim light. Be especially careful if you drive, use machines, or do anything else at night or in dim light that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.

Also, for a short time after you apply this medicine, your vision may be blurred or there may be a change in your near or distance vision. Make sure your vision is clear before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.

Common side effects of Isopto Carbachol

Some side effects of carbachol ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Isopto Carbachol

Along with its needed effects, carbachol ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Isopto Carbachol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking carbachol ophthalmic:

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

• diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, or vomiting
• fainting
• flushing or redness of face
• frequent urge to urinate
• increased sweating
• irregular heartbeat
• shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• watering of mouth

For healthcare professionals

Applies to carbachol ophthalmic: compounding powder, intraocular solution, ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were headache and increased intraocular pressure.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased intraocular pressure
• Frequency not reported: Corneal clouding, persistent bullous keratopathy, retinal detachment/postoperative iritis following cataract extraction, anterior chamber inflammation, corneal edema, eye inflammation, visual impairment, corneal degeneration, miosis, blurred vision, eye pain, ocular hyperemia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Flushing^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Sweating^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Epigastric distress, abdominal cramps, vomiting^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Tightness in urinary bladder^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Isopto Carbachol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer