About bethanechol chloride
Cholinergic muscarinic agonist
Used for
- Treats difficulty emptying the bladder, such as after surgery or childbirth.
- Sometimes used for urinary retention caused by nerve problems.
Usual adult dose
Usually 10–50 mg by mouth three or four times daily, adjusted to response.
Common side effects
- Abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea
- Sweating, flushing, increased saliva
- Dizziness or headache
- Frequent urination
Important warnings
- Can cause fainting, low blood pressure, or a slow heartbeat.
- Avoid with asthma, active peptic ulcers, or urinary or intestinal blockage.
- Not suitable when bladder emptying problems result from physical obstruction.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; pregnancy safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Safety information is limited; effects on milk production are possible.
Interactions
- Other cholinergic medicines may increase side effects.
- Anticholinergic medicines may reduce its effect.
- Some medicines for high blood pressure may increase low-blood-pressure effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.