Bethanechol

DEA Class;  Rx

Common Brand Names; Urecholine

Indicated for treatment of atonic neurogenic bladder or acute postoperative and postpartum non-obstructive urinary retention.

For the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by increasing lower esophageal pressure.

For the treatment of gastric atony or adynamic ileus.

For treating disabling anticholinergic side effects ‘anticholinergic syndrome’ from medications such as tricyclic antidepressants.

Hypersensitivity, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer, asthma, bradycardia, hypotension, AV conduction defects, CAD vasomotor instability, vagotonia, epilepsy, Parkinsonism, GI of GU obstruction, weak bladder wall, recent urinary bladder surgery, GI resection or anastomosis, spastic GI disturbances, HTN, obstructive pulmonary disease, tartrazine sensitivity

• Abdominal cramps
• Belching
• Borborygmi colicky pain
• Bronchial constriction
• Diarrhea
• Flushing
• Increased gastric motility
• Headache
• Hypotension
• Lacrimation
• Miosis
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Salivation
• Urinary urgency

Since bethanechol contracts the bladder there is potential for influx infection if the sphincter fails to relax

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from bethanechol chloride in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Bethanechol chloride

tablet

• 5mg
• 10mg
• 25mg
• 50mg