Bethanechol is used to treat urinary retention (trouble urinating) that may be caused by surgery, delivering a baby, or other conditions.

Bethanechol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take bethanechol on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

It may take up to 90 minutes before your symptoms improve. The effects of bethanechol usually last for about 1 hour.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 90 minutes after taking bethanechol.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Retention:

Initial dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once to obtain minimum effective dose; repeat the same amount at hourly intervals until satisfactory response occurs or a maximum of 50 mg has been given
Maintenance dose: 10 to 50 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Drug effects sometimes appear within 30 minutes and are usually maximal within 60 to 90 minutes.
-Drug effects persist for about 1 hour.
-If necessary, the effects of this drug can be eradicated promptly by atropine.

Uses: For the treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention; and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention

Usual Adult Dose for Neurogenic Bladder:

Initial dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once to obtain minimum effective dose; repeat the same amount at hourly intervals until satisfactory response occurs or a maximum of 50 mg has been given
Maintenance dose: 10 to 50 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Drug effects sometimes appear within 30 minutes and are usually maximal within 60 to 90 minutes.
-Drug effects persist for about 1 hour.
-If necessary, the effects of this drug can be eradicated promptly by atropine.

Uses: For the treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention; and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention

You should not use bethanechol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• slow heartbeats or very low blood pressure (especially if this has caused you to faint);

• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);

• asthma;

• an overactive thyroid;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• an active ulcer in your stomach or intestines;

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the organs inside your abdomen);

• a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

• Parkinson's disease; or

• if you recently had surgery on your bladder or intestines.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• urination problems, or a bladder infection;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;

• heart problems;

• low blood pressure;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• breathing problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using bethanechol.

Bethanechol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drooling, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or feeling hot.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how bethanechol will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bethanechol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• slow heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of bethanechol may include:

• an urgent need to urinate;

• stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea;

• burping, increased saliva;

• headache, dizziness;

• sweating, flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• a general ill feeling; or

• watery eyes, vision changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect bethanechol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.