Synthesis of carbachol

Carbachol is a directly acting parasympathetic agent. Carbachol is rarely used clinically.

Synonym: Carcholin, Moistat

IUPAC Name: 2-carbamoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)azanium;chloride

Synthesis:

Step 1: We are using carbamic acid and dichloroethane as starting materials to synthesize carbachol. On adding dichloroethane to carbamic acid, HCL is removed (H from carbamic acid and –Cl from dichloroethane) and chloroethyl urethane is produced.

Step 2: To Chloroethyl urethane, the tertiary amine is added. Carbachol is produced.

Carbachol Synthesis
Uses: Carbachol has miotic (pupil contraction) action. Hence, used in the treatment of glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure.

Adverse Effects: At therapeutic dose (ophthalmologically), little or no side effects occur due to lack of systemic penetration.

  • People may experience vision problems - seeing floaters
  • Eye irritation or burning like sensation
Mechanism of Action:
Carbachol acts similar to acetylcholine.