Drugs

Bethanechol : Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, & Contraindications

By Dr Daya

Posted on August 5, 2016

Bethanechol : Therapeutic uses, Clinical uses, Indications, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions, Precautions, Contraindications & Brand names

Bethanechol is a Cholinergic Agonist (Direct acting), used to treat atonic bladder & gastroesophageal reflux.
Dose: 10-40 mg (oral), 2.5-5 mg (S.C.)
Route: Oral, Subcutaneous (S.C.)
Plasma Half-life: N/A
Duration of action: Around 1 hour
Bioavailability: N/A
Chemical formula: C₇H₁₇N₂O₂
IUPAC name: 2-(Carbamoyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylpropan-1-aminium
Trade name: Urecholine, Urotonin
Therapeutic uses: Bethanechol has following usage :

Bethanechol primarily affects the urinary and GI tracts.
In the urinary tract, bethanechol has utility in treating the atonic bladder, particularly in postpartum or postoperative, non-obstructive urinary retention, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, and certain cases of chronic hypotonic, myogenic, or neurogenic bladder; catheterization can thus be avoided.
In the GI tract, bethanechol may be used to treat post-operative abdominal distention, gastric atony, gastroparesis, adynamic ileus, congenital megacolon and gastroesophageal reflux because it stimulates peristalsis, increases motility, and increases resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure.

Note :– For GI tract purpose, more efficacious therapies are available in comparison of Bethanechol.

Side effects : Bethanechol causes the effects of generalized cholinergic stimulation; following side effects thus can be noted :

Sweating,
Salivation,
Belching,
Flushing,
Decreased blood pressure,
Nausea,
Abdominal pain,
Diarrhea,
Bronchospasm,
Colic, involuntary urination/ defecation.

Note :- Atropine sulfate may be administered to overcome severe cardiovascular or bronchoconstrictor responses to this agent.

Drug Interactions : Bethanechol may interact with following drugs :

Mecamylamine

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist

If you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Your medical history, especially of recent GIT surgery, GI problems, peritonitis, blockage of the bladder, vagotonia, hyperthyroidism, lung disease, heart problems, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, blood pressure problems.

Contraindications