Bethanechol
Key points
- It can help people who are having trouble passing urine to empty their bladder.
- Bethanechol is effective 5 to 15 minutes after the injection.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose.
- Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Bethanechol injection
What is bethanechol injection? BETHANECHOL (Urecholine®) stimulates the bladder. It can help people who are having trouble passing urine to empty their bladder. Generic bethanechol injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive bethanechol?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- asthma
- bowel disease
- difficulty passing urine
- heart disease
- over-active thyroid
- Parkinson's disease
- seizures (convulsions)
- stomach disease, ulcers
- an unusual or allergic reaction to bethanechol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Bethanechol is for injection under the skin. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Bethanechol is effective 5 to 15 minutes after the injection. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with bethanechol?
- atropine
- procainamide
- quinidine
- medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
- medicines for mental depression
- other medicines that act in a similar way to bethanechol (such as pilocarpine, neostigmine)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving bethanechol?
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
