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Uses

What is bethanechol used for?

Bethanechol is commonly used to help with difficulty peeing or emptying your bladder in the following situations.

Bethanechol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does bethanechol work (mechanism of action)?

Bethanechol activates certain nerves to help your bladder muscles contract. This can help you pee and empty your bladder.

How is bethanechol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Duvoid
  • Myotonachol
  • Urecholine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg oral tablets

How should I store bethanechol?

Bethanechol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of bethanechol?

The most common side effects of bethanechol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased amount of spit in your mouth
  • Increased need to pee
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Sweating or flushing of the skin

There may be other side effects of bethanechol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at https://www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of bethanechol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of bethanechol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bethanechol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking bethanechol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Blood Pressure. Bethanechol may cause low blood pressure, especially when standing up from a seated or lying position. This can make your heart beat faster than normal (tachycardia). Be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, or fainting
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or easily tired
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath

Breathing Problems. Bethanechol may rarely cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm), which can be serious. Stop taking bethanechol and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use bethanechol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use bethanechol products.

  • Duvoid
  • Myotonachol
  • Urecholine
  • Bethanechol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bethanechol products they stock.

Thyroid Problems. Bethanechol should not be taken if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any problems with your thyroid.

Ulcers. Bethanechol should not be taken if you have a peptic ulcer. Tell your healthcare provider if you have an ulcer in your stomach, intestines, or esophagus.

Asthma. Bethanechol should not be taken if you have asthma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have asthma.

Heart or Blood Pressure Problems. Bethanechol should not be taken if you have certain heart or blood pressure problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Seizures. Bethanechol should not be taken if you have seizures. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a seizure.

Parkinson’s Disease. Bethanechol should not be taken if you have Parkinson’s disease. Tell your healthcare provider if you have Parkinson’s disease.

What should I know about bethanechol before using it?

Do not take bethanechol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share bethanechol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep bethanechol out of the reach of children.

Be careful when getting up from lying or sitting while taking bethanechol. This may reduce the likelihood that you have symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Bethanechol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how bethanechol affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using bethanechol?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if bethanechol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Bethanechol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking bethanechol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how bethanechol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if bethanechol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop bethanechol.

Interactions

Does bethanechol interact with foods or drinks?

Take bethanechol on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after eating. This may help lower your risk of having nausea and vomiting when taking bethanechol.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bethanechol. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking bethanechol.

Does bethanechol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking an anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems before taking bethanechol.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with bethanechol. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much bethanechol?

If you or someone else has taken too much bethanechol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of bethanechol?[

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.