Drug Groups

approved

Description

A slowly hydrolyzed cholinergic agonist that acts at both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. [PubChem]

Indication

Primarily used in the treatment of glaucoma, but is also used during ophthalmic surgery.

Pharmacology

Carbachol is a potent cholinergic (parasympathomimetic) agent which produces constriction of the iris and ciliary body resulting in reduction in intraocular pressure. The exact mechanism by which carbachol lowers intraocular pressure is not precisely known. In the cat and rat, carbachol is well-known for its ability to induce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when microinjected into the pontine reticular formation. Carbachol elicits this REM sleep-like state via activation of postsynaptic muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs).

Toxicity

Oral, mouse: LD₅₀ = 15 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD₅₀ = 40 mg/kg.

Affected Organisms

Absorption

Not well absorbed in the gastro-intestinal tract, and does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

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