Bethanecol

Other CNS Drugs · Muscarinic agonist

Indications

Treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention. Neurogenic atony of the bladder with retention.

Dosage

Adults: Initially, 5-10 mg. Repeat at hourly intervals until a satisfactory response occurs or a max of 50 mg dose has been given. Usual dose: 10-50 mg, 3-4 times a day. Dose must be individualized depending on the type and severity of the condition. Individual doses should be given at least 6 hrs apart. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Abdominal discomfort, salivation, flushing of the skin (hot feeling), sweating. Large doses: Malaise, headache, sensation of heat on the face, flushing, colicky pain, diarrhoea, nausea, belching, abdominal cramps, borborygmi, asthmatic attacks and fall in blood pressure.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer, latent or active bronchial asthma, coronary artery disease, recent MI, pronounced bradycardia or hypotension, vasomotor instability, epilepsy, parkinsonism, recent urinary bladder surgery, GI resection, anastomosis, possible GI obstruction, mechanical obstruction of the GI and genitourinary tract, bladder neck obstruction, acute inflammatory lesions of the GI tract, spastic GI disturbances, peritonitis, marked vagotonia. Precautions: Evaluate bladder and sphincter adequacy prior to treatment initiation. Patients with bacteriuria.

Interactions

Quinidine, procainamide, neostigmine, atropine, epinephrine, other sympathomimetic amines, cholinergic agents and anticholinesterase agents etc.

Advice to Patient

Take on an empty stomach.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: Within 30 mins. Duration of action: Approx. 1 hr (therapeutic doses). 6 hrs (large doses; 300-400 mg). Peak effect: Approx. 60-90 mins. Absorption: Poorly absorbed from the GI tract.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.