Information about Bethanechol

Generic Name : Bethanechol
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Bethanechol are provided here.

Pronunciation : be than' e kole

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Bethanechol, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y51.1 Therapeutic Classification : Cholinergic Agents

Trade Names/Brand Names of Bethanechol

India :

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International :

Urecholine

Why is Bethanechol Prescribed? (Indications)

Bethanechol is a powerful cholinergic agent. It stimulates the bladder muscle to improve the urine flow and thereby helps in emptying the bladder. It is used for the treatment of urinary retention without any structural obstruction. Bethanechol is sometimes prescribed by the doctor for abdominal distension due to dilated colon and in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, in which the acid from the stomach moves back to the esophagus or foodpipe.

When should Bethanechol not be taken? (Contraindications)

Bethanechol is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the drug, with history of asthma, peptic ulcer, intestinal or urinary obstruction, following recent gastrointestinal or urinary surgery, decreased heart rate and low blood pressure, epilepsy, Parkinsonism, coronary heart disease and overactive thyroid.

What is the dosage of Bethanechol?

Adult: The recommended oral dose is 10-50 mg 3-4 times/day. It is also given in the form of subcutaneous (under the skin) injection by administering a dose of 5 mg 3-4 times/day. The dose is fixed based on the type and severity of the condition to be treated.

How should Bethanechol be taken?

It comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. It should be taken on an empty stomach one hour before meals or two hours after meals to avoid nausea and vomiting. It is also available as an elixir and solution for injection.

What are the warnings and precautions for Bethanechol?

•Caution should be exercised in patients with history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low blood pressure, slow heart rate, prostate enlargement, who are taking other medications, any allergy, elderly and in children.

Bethanechol should be avoided during pregnancy.

Avoid driving a car or operating machinery, and get up slowly from bed while taking this medication as this medicine may cause dizziness and light headedness.

Avoid alcohol consumption.

What are the side effects of Bethanechol?

Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting, belching, increased salivation, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Genitourinary - Frequent urge to urinate.
Respiratory - Difficulty in breathing, precipitation of asthmatic attacks.
Central Nervous System-Dizziness, light headedness, headache.
Heart- Low blood pressure with fast heart rate, feeling faint.
Eye- Watering of eyes, problems with vision.
Skin – Flushing of skin due to dilatation of blood vessels, sweating, rashes in case of allergy.

What are the other precautions for Bethanechol?

Avoid excess dosage.
Consult the doctor immediately if any serious adverse effects occur like tightness in the chest or difficulty with breathing.

What are the Drug Interactions of Bethanechol?

Bethanechol should be avoided with:
Ganglion blocking compounds as it can cause severe lowering of blood pressure.
Drugs which are used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease like donepezil, tacrine due to the additive side effects like increased saliva, bowel movements, blurred vision and urination.