Bethanechol

Information about Bethanechol

Bethanechol Uses

Bethanechol is used in the treatment of urinary retention. It helps to treat urinary retention (holding urine in the bladder) following an operation or after giving birth.

How Bethanechol works

Bethanechol is a muscarinic agonist. It works by making the contraction of urinary bladder muscle sufficiently strong to initiate urination and empty the bladder.

Common side effects of Bethanechol

Nausea1a, Vomiting, Sweating, Intestinal colic, Salivation, Flushing of skin
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Radhika Dua
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Shilpa Garcha
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
18 Feb 2020 | 11:51 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Bethanechol

UrotoneSamarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
₹1542 variant(s)
MacpeeIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹2092 variant(s)
BetheranSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹1521 variant(s)
UrivoidCipla Ltd
₹1711 variant(s)
BcholUrostark Healtcare LLp
₹4952 variant(s)

Expert advice for Bethanechol

  • Bethanechol helps treat urinary retention (holding urine in the bladder) following an operation or after giving birth.
  • Take it on an empty stomach,  half an hour before food, to reduce the risk of feeling sick.
  • It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • Do not take it if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Bethanechol

Bethanechol

Q. Is Bethanechol an anticholinergic?

No, Bethanechol is not an anticholinergic, on the contrary it is a cholinergic medicine. It is used to relieve difficulties in urinating caused by surgery, post pregnancy, medicines, or other factors.

Q. When should I take Bethanechol?

It should preferably be taken on an empty stomach. This is because taking it soon after eating may cause nausea and vomiting. The treatment varies from one individual to other depending on the condition being treated. Hence, it should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Q. How long does it take for Bethanechol to start working?

Bethanechol starts acting quickly, within 60 to 90 minutes of taking it. The effect of the medicine lasts for 6 hours and therefore a gap of at least 6 hours should be maintained between two doses.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Bethanechol?

If you miss a dose and remember within an hour of the scheduled dose then you can continue with your usual dose. If, however, the gap is more than two or more hours then do not take the medicine and wait until the next dose is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Q. Can Bethanechol cause stomach upset?

Bethanechol may cause severe stomach pain, belching, nausea, diarrhoea, and increased sounds from the stomach when taken in large doses. If you experience these symptoms which are severe and persist for a longer time then you should tell your doctor.

Q. Does Bethanechol cause sleepiness?

Yes, Bethanechol may make you drowsy and cause sleepiness. If you experience these symptoms, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

Q. Can I take alcohol while on Bethanechol?

No, you should not take alcohol while taking Bethanechol as alcohol can add to the drowsiness associated with Bethanechol. Additionally, it may increase your risk of having a stomach ulcer.

Q. Does Bethanechol affect blood pressure?

Yes, Bethanechol affects the blood pressure by decreasing it. This medicine may also slow down your pulse rate. In some cases, especially at the beginning of therapy sudden changes of posture may lead to feeling of dizziness or giddiness (orthostatic hypotension). Consult your doctor in case you experience any of these symptoms.

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