BETHANECHOL CHLORIDE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Urecholine

GENERIC NAME(S): BETHANECHOL CHLORIDE

Description: Bethanecol stimulates the bladder to empty by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. It increases the tone of the muscles in the bladder to initiate urination. It can also stimulate the movement of the gastrointestinal tract.

Uses

Indications

This medication is used to treat certain bladder problems such as the inability to urinate or empty the bladder completely due to certain causes (e.g., surgery, bladder muscle problems).

Other uses

This drug may also be used to treat heartburn. It works by helping the stomach muscles move food down out of the stomach faster and by increasing the strength of the muscle between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter). This helps prevent food/acid in the stomach from rising back into the esophagus.

Contraindications

Should not be given to patients with hypersensitivity reactions from the drug.

How to use bethanechol chloride

Dosage: 10 to 50 mg 3 to 4 times daily

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals), usually 3 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor.
Taking this medication on an empty stomach will help reduce nausea/vomiting.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Warnings

Side Effects

Common side effects:

dizziness
lightheadedness
nausea
vomiting
abdominal cramps/pain
diarrhea
increased saliva/urination
sweating
flushing
watery eyes
headache

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, fast heartbeat, severe abdominal pain.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: trouble breathing.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Precautions

Allergy: Before taking bethanechol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Medical Conditions: Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: recent stomach/intestinal/bladder surgery, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, blockage, spasms), peritonitis, blockage of the bladder, a certain nerve problem (vagotonia), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease, slow heartbeat), seizures, Parkinson’s disease, blood pressure problems.

Pregnancy Risk: Category . During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Breastfeeding: It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: medications for high blood pressure (e.g., mecamylamine).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach/abdominal pain, flushing, increased saliva, sweating, nausea, vomiting.

Notes: Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands

Available Brands

Uriflow [ Ying Yuan Chemical ]