Acetylcholine is a drug used in several eye surgery procedures, such as cataract surgery. The body also produces acetylcholine naturally. This substance is a neurotransmitter, which is a signal-carrying chemical compound that helps stimulate muscles to contract.
To assist eye surgery procedures, acetylcholine will cause contraction of the iris or iris muscles, causing miosis. This drug also has the effect of dilating blood vessels (vasodilation) and lowering the pressure in the eyeball (intraocular).
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What is Acetylcholine
| group | Prescription drug |
| Category | Eye medicine |
| Benefit | Helps pupil reduction (miosis) during eye surgery procedures |
| Used by | Mature |
| Acetylcholine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category N: Not yet categorized.
It is not known whether acetylcholine can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using Acetylcholine
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not use acetylcholine if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ), heart disease, epilepsy , low blood pressure, hyperthyroidism , urinary tract obstruction, Parkinson's disease , or stomach ulcers .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking acetylcholine.
Dosage and Rules for Using Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine will be injected by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The usual dose of 1% acetylcholine is 0.5–2 ml, which is injected into the anterior chamber before eye surgery is performed.
How to Use Acetylcholine Properly
Acetylcholine will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected into the patient's anterior chamber.
Before the injection, the doctor will make sure the acetylcholine fluid to be injected is clear. Follow the doctor's recommendations and advice before, during, and after acetylcholine injection.
Acetylcholine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some drug interactions that can occur when acetylcholine is used with other drugs:
- Increased risk of respiratory and heart problems when used with beta-blocking drugs , such as acebutolol , atenolol, bisoprolol , metoprolol, or propranolol
- Decreased effectiveness of acetylcholine when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) eye drops, such as diclofenac or ketorolac
- Enhanced effect of acetylcholine when used with cholinesterase inhibitors, such as neostigmine
Side Effects and Dangers of Acetylcholine
Some side effects that may occur after using acetylcholine are:
- Pain, swelling, or irritation in the eye
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Warmth in the face, neck, or chest ( flushing )
- Bradycardia
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Tell your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not go away or get worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction after injecting acetylcholine.