Bethanechol

Generic name: Bethanechol
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 25 mg; 5 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous genitourinary tract agents

Usage of Bethanechol

Bethanechol is used to treat urinary retention (trouble urinating) that may be caused by surgery, delivering a baby, or other conditions.

Bethanechol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bethanechol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bethanechol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

slow heartbeats;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of bethanechol may include:

an urgent need to urinate;

stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea;

burping, increased saliva;

headache, dizziness;

sweating, flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

a general ill feeling; or

watery eyes, vision changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Bethanechol

You should not use bethanechol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

slow heartbeats or very low blood pressure (especially if this has caused you to faint);

coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);

asthma;

an overactive thyroid;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

an active ulcer in your stomach or intestines;

a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the organs inside your abdomen);

a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

Parkinson's disease; or

if you recently had surgery on your bladder or intestines.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

urination problems, or a bladder infection;

a stomach or intestinal disorder;

heart problems;

low blood pressure;

a thyroid disorder; or

breathing problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using bethanechol.

Bethanechol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Bethanechol

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Retention:

Initial dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once to obtain minimum effective dose; repeat the same amount at hourly intervals until satisfactory response occurs or a maximum of 50 mg has been givenMaintenance dose: 10 to 50 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Drug effects sometimes appear within 30 minutes and are usually maximal within 60 to 90 minutes.-Drug effects persist for about 1 hour.-If necessary, the effects of this drug can be eradicated promptly by atropine.Uses: For the treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention; and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention

Usual Adult Dose for Neurogenic Bladder:

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Bethanechol

Other drugs may affect bethanechol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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