Why Carbachol Rarely Used Therapeutically?

Carbachol is used only in ophthalmology where it is applied to the conjunctiva or instilled into the anterior chamber of the eye. Because carbachol is a quaternary amine, systemic absorption after administration by these routes is likely to be minimal and systemic side effects would be rare.

Is carbachol more potent than acetylcholine?

Despite a lack of direct contractile effect, acetylcholine and carbachol both enhanced neurotransmission to the guinea-pig prostate gland in a concentration-dependent manner. Carbachol was the more potent. ... Acetylcholine, in the presence of physostigmine, did not enhance these contractions.

What receptors does carbachol use?

Carbachol, a synthetic derivative of choline, acts primarily by stimulating muscarinic receptors. It also releases acetylcholine at certain neuroeffector junctions and ganglia.