Bethanechol
Brand Names
Duvoid, UrecholineWhat is Bethanechol
Bethanechol is a medicine that is used to treat urinary retention (difficulty urinating), which may occur after surgery, after delivering a baby and in other situations. It stimulates your bladder to empty.
Side effects of Bethanechol
Side effects of Bethanechol are the followings:
- dizziness or drowsiness;
- headache;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal discomfort;
- slow heartbeats followed by fast heartbeats;
- flushing or warmth about the face;
- sweating;
- tearing eyes.
But if you have any of these serious symptoms it is necessary to visit your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue or face, hives);
- shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in your chest.
Indication
Bethanechol is used to treat urinary retention (difficulty urinating), which may occur after surgery, after delivering a baby and in other situations.
Precautions
Before using Bethanechol you should inform your doctor if you have:
- uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid);
- stomach ulcers;
- asthma;
- recently had bladder or intestinal surgery;
- a blockage in your intestinal tract;
- a slow heart rate or low blood pressure;
- a disease or blockage of the arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease);
- epilepsy or any other seizure disorder;
- Parkinson's disease.
Dosage forms
Usual adult dose for Urinary Retention
Oral: 10 to 50 mg 3 to 4 times a day. Subcutaneous: 2.5 to 5 mg 3 to 4 times a day. Doses up to 7.5 to 10 mg every 4 hours have been used for neurogenic bladder.
Usual pediatric dose for Urinary Retention
Oral: 0.6 mg/kg/day divided 3 to 4 times a day. Subcutaneous: 0.12 to 2 mg/kg/day divided 3 to 4 times a day.
Usual pediatric dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Oral: 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg/dose 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals and at bedtime to a maximum of 4 times a day.
Usual pediatric dose for Abdominal Distension
Oral: 0.6 mg/kg/day divided 3 to 4 times a day. Subcutaneous: 0.12 to 2 mg/kg/day divided 3 to 4 times a day.
