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.
Urinary retention (trouble passing urine) due to recent surgery, childbirth, or nerve problems
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.
Source:Â DailyMed
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:
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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)
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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.
Waseem, S., et al. (2009). Gastroparesis: Current diagnostic challenges and management considerations. World Journal of Gastroenterology.
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