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Bethanechol Coupon - Bethanechol 25mg tablet

bethanechol

Generic Urecholine
Used for Urinary Retention
Used for Urinary Retention

Bethanechol is used to treat urinary retention, or trouble passing urine. It's taken by mouth multiple times a day. Bethanechol is available as a generic and there's no brand name version. Common side effects of this medication include stomach cramps, watery eyes, and a feeling that you need to empty your bladder right away.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 30, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Bethanechol?

What is Bethanechol used for?

  • Urinary retention (trouble passing urine) due to recent surgery, childbirth, or nerve problems

How Bethanechol works

Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist, meaning it acts like acetylcholine, a chemical that your body makes. Acetylcholine is normally responsible for muscle contraction. Because it works like acetylcholine, bethanechol causes your bladder muscle to contract, which empties your bladder and helps you urinate more easily.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsUrecholine (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassCholinergic agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$155.33(save 85.71%)
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$22.20
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What are the side effects of Bethanechol?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Drooling
  • Watery eyes
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Sweating
  • Urinary urgency (feeling you need to empty your bladder right away)

Other Side Effects

  • Feeling unwell
  • Headache
  • Feeling warm
  • Small pupils
  • Trouble breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Burping

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Overdose: stomach upset, drooling, feeling hot, sweating, nausea, vomiting
  • Seizures

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

more common with the injection

Shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in chest

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common or rare

more common with the injection

Belching

blurred vision or change in near or distance vision

diarrhea

dizziness or lightheadedness

feeling faint

frequent urge to urinate

headache

increased watering of mouth or sweating

nausea or vomiting

redness or flushing of skin or feeling of warmth

seizures

sleeplessness, nervousness, or jitters

stomach discomfort or pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bethanechol

thumbs-up

Pros

Typically works within 30 minutes

In case of an accidental overdose, effects can be reversed with a medication called atropine

Available in many different strengths

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take the medication 3 to 4 times a day

Can cause dizziness and lightheadedness

Might need to take it every hour at first to find the right dose that works for you

Can't be used if you have asthma or seizures

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bethanechol

pharmacist

  • Take bethanechol on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after, to avoid nausea and vomiting.

    • When you first start bethanechol, you might need to take it every hour (up to a total of 50 mg) to find the best dose for you.

      • Don't take higher than prescribed doses of bethanechol. Taking higher doses can lead to an overdose with symptoms, such as stomach upset, drooling, feeling hot, sweating, nausea, or vomiting. Let your provider know if you have any of the symptoms above.

        • bethanechol can make you dizzy, so don't stand or sit up too quickly from a sitting or standing position because you could faint.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Bethanechol

          How long does bethanechol take to work?
          Bethanechol starts working within 30 minutes from the time you take it. You should feel the full effects within 60 to 90 minutes. Since it can cause urinary urgency (feeling that you need to empty your bladder right away), make sure you have access to a bathroom after taking your doses throughout the day.
          Is bethanechol a diuretic?
          Bethanechol is classified as a cholinergic agonist, not a diuretic (water pill). Although it works to make you urinate more like a diuretic does, it works in a different way to do this; it squeezes (contracts) your bladder muscle, which empties your bladder. If you want to learn more about how diuretics work instead, check out this article.
          How often will I need to take bethanechol?
          You will likely need to take bethanechol 3 or 4 times a day. When you first start taking the medication, your provider might ask you to take a dose every hour, up to a total amount of 50 mg, to find the right dose that works best for you.
          Do I need to take bethanechol with food?
          Take bethanechol on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). If you take this medication too close to eating, you might feel nauseous or start to vomit.
          What's the difference between bethanechol and oxybutynin?
          Bethanechol and oxybutynin have opposite effects on your bladder muscle and are taken to treat different conditions. Bethanechol squeezes your bladder muscle, helping you urinate when you're having trouble doing so. Oxybutynin, on the other hand, relaxes your overactive bladder muscle so that you don't have to urinate as often.
          Can bethanechol be used for gastroparesis?
          Bethanechol isn't FDA-approved for treating gastroparesis, a condition where your stomach doesn't empty well because the muscles and nerves of the gut aren't working properly. Bethanechol hasn't been well-studied for gastroparesis, but existing research suggest it doesn't help in this condition. If you've gastroparesis, talk with your provider about your treatment options.
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          warings-icon

          What are the risks and warnings for Bethanechol?

          Bethanechol can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Urinary infection (reflux infection)

          Normally, your urine flows from your kidneys to your bladder. A muscle called the bladder sphincter holds your urine inside your bladder. If for some reason that muscle doesn't relax as bethanechol works to contract your bladder, your urine can flow back up to your kidneys. If there is bacteria in your urine and this happens, it can cause an infection. Be sure to talk to your provider if you notice pain in the lower part of your body, cloudy urine, fever, chills, blood in the urine, or other abnormal symptoms.

          risk-warning

          Dizziness and lightheadedness

          Bethanechol can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. Don't stand or sit up too quickly from a lying or standing position or you might faint.

          risk-warning

          Extreme drop in blood pressure

          • Risk factors: Taking other medications that are ganglion blocking compounds

            If bethanechol is taken together with medications known as ganglion-blocking compounds, such as mecamylamine (Vecamyl), a dangerous drop in blood pressure can occur. Severe stomach symptoms usually happen before there is a drop in blood pressure. Make sure to tell your provider that you are taking bethanechol when you are prescribed a new medication.

            dosage

            Bethanechol dosage forms

            The average cost for 90 tablets of 25mg of Bethanechol is $32.40 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 79.14% off the average retail price of $155.33.
            tablet
            Tablet
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            5mg90 tablets$22.20$0.25
            10mg90 tablets$33.29$0.37
            25mg90 tablets$32.40$0.36
            50mg90 tablets$42.08$0.47

            Typical dosing for Bethanechol

            Your dose can differ depending on why you're taking it and how serious your condition is.

            • The typical dose ranges from 10 mg to 50 mg taken by mouth on an empty stomach 3 or 4 times a day.

            interactions

            Interactions between Bethanechol and other drugs

            Bethanechol may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bethanechol. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

            • Betel Nut
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            Bethanechol (generic)
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            contraindications-icon

            Bethanechol contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Bethanechol will not be safe for you to take.

            • High thyroid hormone levels

            • Stomach ulcer

            • Asthma

            • Low blood pressure

            • Low heart rate

            • Coronary artery disease (condition causing plaque build-up in the arteries)

            • Seizures

            • Parkinsonism (a condition causing abnormal muscle movements)

            • Stomach and bladder blockage

            • Conditions with weakened stomach or bladder walls

            • Recent bladder or stomach surgery

            • Redness, swelling, or wounds in your stomach or intestines

            • Vagotonia (a condition that causes slow heart rate and fainting)

            images

            Bethanechol images

            Yellow Round 832 And Bcl 25 - Bethanechol Chloride 25mg Tablet
            This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Bcl 25" And "832".Yellow Round 832 And Bcl 25 - Bethanechol Chloride 25mg Tablet
            Yellow Round An 573 - Bethanechol Chloride 25mg Tablet
            This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "An 573".Yellow Round An 573 - Bethanechol Chloride 25mg Tablet
            White Round Ce 178 - Bethanechol Chloride 25mg Tablet
            This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Ce 178".White Round Ce 178 - Bethanechol Chloride 25mg Tablet

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            References

            Best studies we found

            Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2022). BETHANECHOL CHLORIDE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

            McCallum, R. W., et al. (1983). Effects of metoclopramide and bethanechol on delayed gastric emptying present in gastroesophageal reflux patients. Gastroenterology.

            Purves, D., et al. (2001). Acetylcholine. Neuroscience. 2nd Edition.

            View All References (1)

            Waseem, S., et al. (2009). Gastroparesis: Current diagnostic challenges and management considerations. World Journal of Gastroenterology.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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