Generic
Bethanechol Chloride
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Bethanechol Chloride is a medicine used to treat acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive urinary retention and neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder.
Description
Bethanechol Chloride stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing detrusor muscle tone to initiate micturition and empty the bladder. It also stimulates gastric motility, increases gastric tone, and restores peristalsis. Unlike acetylcholine, it is not destroyed by cholinesterase, providing prolonged and predictable effects. It has predominant muscarinic action and weak nicotinic action.
Indications
Acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive urinary retention, Neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder.
Therapeutic class
Parasympathomimetic Agents
Pharmacological class
Muscarinic Agonist
Pharmacology
Bethanechol produces effects of parasympathetic stimulation. It increases detrusor tone, contracts bladder to initiate micturition, and stimulates gastric motility and tone. Not destroyed by cholinesterase, its effects are prolonged and predictable.
Mechanism of action
Bethanechol stimulates muscarinic receptors, mimicking acetylcholine at parasympathetic nerve endings, but resists cholinesterase hydrolysis, leading to sustained bladder contraction and emptying.
Dosage
Adults: 10-50 mg three or four times daily. Initial dose: 5-10 mg repeated hourly up to a maximum of 50 mg. Take on an empty stomach to avoid nausea.
Administration
Take as directed by your doctor. Preferably on an empty stomach. If taken soon after eating, nausea and vomiting may occur.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Abdominal discomfort, salivation, flushing (hot feeling), sweating. Large doses may cause headache, diarrhea, colicky pain, nausea, asthmatic attacks, and hypotension.
Precautions & warnings
Caution required when used with other drugs (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, cholinesterase inhibitors, ganglionic blockers). If sphincter fails to relax, urine may reflux causing infection.
Contraindications
Hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, lactation, peptic ulcer, bronchial asthma, bradycardia, hypotension, coronary artery disease, epilepsy, parkinsonism. Also contraindicated in mechanical obstruction, recent bladder surgery, gastrointestinal resection, or peritonitis.
Drug interactions
Quinidine and procainamide may antagonize cholinergic effects. Cholinesterase inhibitors may have additive effects. Ganglionic blockers may cause a critical fall in blood pressure.
Food interactions
Take on an empty stomach to avoid nausea and vomiting.
Use in pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed (animal studies not conducted).
Use in lactation
It is not known if this drug is secreted in human milk. Caution advised; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
No specific dose adjustment mentioned, consult your doctor.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No information found.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause parasympathetic overstimulation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension). Consult a doctor if symptoms occur.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Bethanechol Chloride