Description

BETHANECHOL belongs to the class of medications called ‘Cholinergic agents’ used to treat urinary retention (holding urine in the bladder) due to surgery, childbirth, or bladder muscle problems.

BETHANECHOL contains ‘bethanechol’ that helps treat the inability to urinate by acting on the bladder muscles. It contracts the detrusor muscle (a bladder muscle) pushing the urine out of the bladder, thus starting the urination process and emptying it. 

Take BETHANECHOL as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take BETHANECHOL based on your medical condition. You may experience some side effects such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, urgent desire to urinate, excessive salivation, flushing (reddening of the skin), and sweating. Consult a doctor if these side effects do not go away or worsen.

Do not take BETHANECHOL if you are allergic to ‘bethanechol’ or any other contents. Before taking BETHANECHOL, inform your doctor if you have undergone surgery, or previously been diagnosed with gastrointestinal (stomach and intestine) problems, urinary blockages, asthma, heart diseases, hyperthyroidism, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, or blood pressure problems (low or high). Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If BETHANECHOL is prescribed, do not take alcohol while using BETHANECHOL, as the condition may worsen due to increased risk of side effects. It would be best if you refrained from activities that require you to stay alert such as driving or operating heavy machinery as BETHANECHOL may cause dizziness.

Uses of BETHANECHOL

Urinary retention

Medicinal Benefits

BETHANECHOL is a cholinergic agent used to treat urinary retention. It works by acting on the detrusor muscle (bladder muscle) to push the urine out of the bladder. The detrusor muscle contracts strong enough to start the micturition (the process of urination), thus emptying the bladder.

Directions for Use

Take BETHANECHOL 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to avoid nausea or take it as advised by the doctor. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of BETHANECHOL

• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Urgent desire to urinate
• Excessive salivation
• Flushing (reddening of the skin)
• Sweating