Bethanechol
About
Bethanechol belongs to the class of medications called ‘Cholinergic agents’ used to treat urinary retention (holding urine in the bladder) due to surgery, childbirth, or bladder muscle problems.
Bethanechol contains ‘bethanechol’ that helps treat the inability to urinate by acting on the bladder muscles. It contracts the detrusor muscle (a bladder muscle) pushing the urine out of the bladder, thus starting the urination process and emptying it.
Take Bethanechol as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take Bethanechol based on your medical condition. You may experience some side effects such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, urgent desire to urinate, excessive salivation, flushing (reddening of the skin), and sweating. Consult a doctor if these side effects do not go away or worsen.
Do not take Bethanechol if you are allergic to ‘bethanechol’ or any other contents. Before taking Bethanechol, inform your doctor if you have undergone surgery, or previously been diagnosed with gastrointestinal (stomach and intestine) problems, urinary blockages, asthma, heart diseases, hyperthyroidism, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, or blood pressure problems (low or high). Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If Bethanechol is prescribed, do not take alcohol while using Bethanechol, as the condition may worsen due to increased risk of side effects. It would be best if you refrained from activities that require you to stay alert such as driving or operating heavy machinery as Bethanechol may cause dizziness.
Uses of Bethanechol
Medicinal Benefits
Bethanechol is a cholinergic agent used to treat urinary retention. It works by acting on the detrusor muscle (bladder muscle) to push the urine out of the bladder. The detrusor muscle contracts strong enough to start the micturition (the process of urination), thus emptying the bladder.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Bethanechol
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Urgent desire to urinate
- Excessive salivation
- Flushing (reddening of the skin)
- Sweating
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Bethanechol if you are allergic to any contents of it. Before taking Bethanechol, inform your doctor if you had recent surgeries, stomach or intestinal ulcers, bladder obstruction, peritonitis (infection of the stomach lining), or inflammatory bowel disease (inflammation of the digestive tract). Use of Bethanechol in the above illnesses may worsen the condition. Bethanechol may cause atrial fibrillation (heart rhythm problems) in patients with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Bethanechol may flare up the symptoms when used in patients with lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) as it can constrict the airways. Do not use Bethanechol in patients with heart diseases, hypotension (low blood pressure), bradycardia (low heart rate), seizures, and Parkinson’s disease. Do not consume alcohol as it can increase dizziness. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. To avoid dizziness from this medicine, stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Bethanechol effectiveness may alter when used with other cholinergic or anticholinergic drugs and antihypertensive drugs (mecamylamine and trimethaphan).
Drug-food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Bethanechol should be used with caution in patients with urinary bladder obstruction, inflammatory bowel diseases (inflammation of the digestive tract), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), stomach ulcers, lung problems, bradycardia (decreased heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), coronary artery disease (a heart disease), seizures (fits), and Parkinson’s disease (a brain disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol may increase the risk of side-effects. So, do not take alcohol while using Bethanechol.
Pregnancy
cautionBethanechol is a category C medicine. It should be used in pregnant women only if needed.
Breast Feeding
cautionBethanechol should be used in breastfeeding mothers only if needed.
Driving
cautionBethanechol may cause dizziness. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery while using Bethanechol.
Liver
cautionBethanechol should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionBethanechol should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Children
cautionBethanechol should not be given to children below 12 years of age unless prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink more fluids in the morning and afternoon rather than at night.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Shed excess weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Consume a healthy diet containing whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Urinary retention: Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder. It occurs due to obstruction in the urinary tract or the presence of weak bladder muscles due to surgery, childbirth, or any underlying conditions.
FAQs
Bethanechol is used in the treatment of urinary retention or the inability to urinate. It contracts the bladder muscles and initiates the process of urination, thus emptying the bladder.
Bethanechol may lower your blood pressure (hypotension) and cause dizziness. To prevent falls, it is advised to stand up slowly while rising from a sitting or lying position.
There are no sufficient safety data established for the use of Bethanechol in pregnant women. So, it is recommended to use Bethanechol in pregnant women only if clinically needed.
It is recommended to take a Bethanechol on an empty stomach. You can take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to prevent nausea.
Bethanechol can narrow the airways and cause the flare-up of the symptoms of asthma. So, it is not recommended for use in patients with asthma.
