Bethanechol
Introduction To Bethanechol
Bethanechol is used in the treatment of urinary retention (inability to urinate) which usually occurs following surgery or after giving birth. It helps to contract the muscles of the bladder which further leads to urination.
Bethanechol also helps to improve your exercise ability. It is advised to take it in a dose and duration as per prescription. It can be taken by empty stomach but take it at a fixed time regularly. Swallow the medicine as a whole without crushing or chewing it. You should not stop taking the medicine without consulting the doctor as it may lead to the worsening of your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine are headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmia, flushing, and sweating. It may also make you feel dizzy or sleepy, so it advised not to drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you. If any of the side effects bother you or persist, consult the doctor without delay.
Before receiving the treatment, inform your doctor if you are on any medication for any health conditions. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor prior to the treatment as it is usually not recommended during pregnancy.
Uses of Bethanechol
- Treatment of Urinary retention
Benefits of Bethanechol
Treatment of Urinary retention
Urinary retention means problems in emptying the bladder. This may be due to
disturbed coordination of nerves and muscles of the bladder which leads to the
inability to pass urine. Bethanechol induces contractions in the bladder
muscles and improves their function. This helps to treat urinary retention
effectively. Take it as advised by the doctor and follow your doctor’s
instructions carefully.
Side effects of Bethanechol
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Flowvoid
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
- Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
How to use Bethanechol
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Bethanechol is to be taken empty stomach.
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.
Quick tips
- 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.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Bethanechol if I’m pregnant?
Bethanechol may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCAUTION
Can I take Bethanechol if I’m breastfeeding?
Bethanechol should be used with caution during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should be held until the treatment of the mother is completed and the drug is eliminated from her body.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Bethanechol safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Bethanechol. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Bethanechol?
Bethanechol may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Bethanechol if I have/had kidney diseases?
Bethanechol is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Bethanechol may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Bethanechol if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Bethanechol in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.