Bethanechol Chloride (bethanechol chloride)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Bethanechol is a cholinergic drug that is related to acetylcholine.
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.
Generic name: bethanechol chloride
Pronunciation: (be-THAN-e-kol)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Bethanechol Chloride
Indications
The following indications are listed for Bethanechol Chloride:
- Urinary Retention
Also known as: Retention Of Urine.
Dosing
Dosage of bethanechol chloride must be individualized according to the type and severity of the condition being treated.
Bethanechol chloride is administered orally. Bethanechol chloride should be administered on an empty stomach (e.g., 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) to minimize nausea and vomiting.
Bethanechol chloride also has been administered by subcutaneous injection. However, a parenteral dosage form no longer is commercially available in the US.
Bethanechol chloride tablets should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers at a temperature of 20-25degreesC (excursions permitted between 15-30degreesC).
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
Bethanechol should not be used concomitantly with other cholinergic drugs or anticholinesterase agents (e.g., neostigmine), because of the possibility of additive effects and increased toxicity. In combination with ganglionic blocking agents, bethanechol may produce a critical fall in blood pressure, usually preceded by severe abdominal symptoms.
Atropine antagonizes the effects of bethanechol and this interaction is used to therapeutic advantage to counteract the symptoms of bethanechol toxicity. Epinephrine and other sympathomimetic amines antagonize the effects of bethanechol at sites where adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation produce opposing effects. Quinidine and procainamide also may antagonize the effects of bethanechol.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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No enhanced messaging available.
Animal reproduction studies have not been performed with bethanechol chloride, and it is not known whether the drug can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Bethanechol should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
It is not known whether bethanechol is distributed into milk. Because many drugs are distributed into milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or bethanechol, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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