Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 5mg
- 10mg
- 25mg
- 50mg
Urinary Retention
10-50 mg PO three/four times daily
Some patients may require doses of 50-100 mg PO twice daily
Take 1 hour AC or 2 hours PC
GERD (Off-label)
25 mg PO four times daily
Take 1 hour AC or 2 hours PC
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (65)
- aclidinium
bethanechol increases and aclidinium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amifampridine
amifampridine and bethanechol both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amitriptyline
bethanechol increases and amitriptyline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- amoxapine
bethanechol increases and amoxapine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- anticholinergic/sedative combos
bethanechol increases and anticholinergic/sedative combos decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atracurium
bethanechol increases and atracurium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atropine
bethanechol increases and atropine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atropine IV/IM
bethanechol increases and atropine IV/IM decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. .
- belladonna alkaloids
bethanechol increases and belladonna alkaloids decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- belladonna and opium
bethanechol increases and belladonna and opium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carbachol
bethanechol and carbachol both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cevimeline
bethanechol and cevimeline both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cisatracurium
bethanechol increases and cisatracurium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clomipramine
bethanechol increases and clomipramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclizine
bethanechol increases and cyclizine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclobenzaprine
bethanechol increases and cyclobenzaprine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- darifenacin
bethanechol increases and darifenacin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dicyclomine
bethanechol increases and dicyclomine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diphenhydramine
bethanechol increases and diphenhydramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- donepezil
bethanechol and donepezil both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dosulepin
bethanechol increases and dosulepin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- doxepin
bethanechol increases and doxepin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- echothiophate iodide
bethanechol and echothiophate iodide both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fesoterodine
bethanechol increases and fesoterodine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- flavoxate
bethanechol increases and flavoxate decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- galantamine
bethanechol and galantamine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- glycopyrrolate
bethanechol increases and glycopyrrolate decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- glycopyrrolate inhaled
bethanechol increases and glycopyrrolate inhaled decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- henbane
bethanechol increases and henbane decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- homatropine
bethanechol increases and homatropine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- huperzine A
bethanechol and huperzine A both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- hyoscyamine
bethanechol increases and hyoscyamine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- hyoscyamine spray
bethanechol increases and hyoscyamine spray decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. .
- imipramine
bethanechol increases and imipramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ipratropium
bethanechol increases and ipratropium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lofepramine
bethanechol increases and lofepramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- maprotiline
bethanechol increases and maprotiline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- meclizine
bethanechol increases and meclizine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- methscopolamine
bethanechol increases and methscopolamine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- neostigmine
bethanechol and neostigmine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nortriptyline
bethanechol increases and nortriptyline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- onabotulinumtoxinA
bethanechol increases and onabotulinumtoxinA decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- orphenadrine
bethanechol increases and orphenadrine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxybutynin
bethanechol increases and oxybutynin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxybutynin topical
bethanechol increases and oxybutynin topical decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxybutynin transdermal
bethanechol increases and oxybutynin transdermal decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pancuronium
bethanechol increases and pancuronium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- physostigmine
bethanechol and physostigmine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pilocarpine
bethanechol and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pralidoxime
bethanechol increases and pralidoxime decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- propantheline
bethanechol increases and propantheline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- protriptyline
bethanechol increases and protriptyline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pyridostigmine
bethanechol and pyridostigmine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- rapacuronium
bethanechol increases and rapacuronium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- rivastigmine
bethanechol and rivastigmine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
rivastigmine and bethanechol both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor. - rocuronium
bethanechol increases and rocuronium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- scopolamine
bethanechol increases and scopolamine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- solifenacin
bethanechol increases and solifenacin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- succinylcholine
bethanechol and succinylcholine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tiotropium
bethanechol increases and tiotropium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tolterodine
bethanechol increases and tolterodine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trimipramine
bethanechol increases and trimipramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trospium chloride
bethanechol increases and trospium chloride decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- umeclidinium bromide
bethanechol increases and umeclidinium bromide decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor when umeclidinium bromide is coadministered with cholinergic agents.
- vecuronium
bethanechol increases and vecuronium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (7)
- desipramine
bethanechol increases and desipramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- donepezil
donepezil increases effects of bethanechol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- galantamine
galantamine increases effects of bethanechol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- mecamylamine
mecamylamine, bethanechol. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Additive hypotensive effects.
- pantothenic acid
pantothenic acid, bethanechol. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- procainamide
procainamide decreases effects of bethanechol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- trazodone
bethanechol increases and trazodone decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Abdominal cramps
Belching
Borborygmi colicky pain
Bronchial constriction
Diarrhea
Flushing
Increased gastric motility
Headache
Hypotension
Lacrimation
Miosis
Nausea
Vomiting
Salivation
Urinary urgency
Warnings
Contraindications
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
Cautions
Since bethanechol contracts the bladder there is potential for influx infection if the sphincter fails to relax
Pregnancy & Lactation
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.
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Stimulates parasympathetic receptors to increase bladder muscle tone, which in turn causes contraction and stimulates micturition
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 30-60 min
Duration: Up to 6 hr
Abasorption: Variable
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 10 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 50 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 50 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 10 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 50 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| bethanechol chloride oral - | 10 mg tablet |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
bethanechol chloride oral
BETHANECHOL - ORAL
(be-THAN-e-kol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Urecholine
USES: This medication is used to treat certain bladder problems such as the inability to urinate or empty the bladder completely due to certain causes (such as surgery, bladder muscle problems). It works by helping the bladder muscle to squeeze better, thereby improving your ability to urinate.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily. Taking this medication on an empty stomach will help reduce nausea/vomiting.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps/pain, diarrhea, increased saliva/urination, sweating, flushing, watery eyes, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, fast heartbeat, severe abdominal pain.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking bethanechol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent stomach/intestinal/bladder surgery, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, blockage, spasms), peritonitis, blockage of the bladder, a certain nerve problem (vagotonia), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), lung disease (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), heart problems (such as coronary artery disease, slow heartbeat), seizures, Parkinson's disease, blood pressure problems.This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as amylase/lipase levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. 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. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications 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.
Information last revised May 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
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