Bethanechol is used to treat urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating) which may occur following surgery or after childbirth.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Bethanechol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Bethanechol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- overactive thyroid gland
- asthma
- heart problems e.g. recent heart attack, narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart, slow heartbeat
- low blood pressure
- stomach ulcer
- blockage of the intestines or bladder
- peritonitis (inflammation of the tissue that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the organs in the abdomen)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- Parkinson’s disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- severe vagotonia (overactivity of the nerve causing slowed heartbeat, decreased heart output, and fainting)
- undergone recent bowel or bladder surgery
as Bethanechol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have bacteriuria (presence of bacteria in urine).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bethanechol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, excessive salivation, nausea, stomach pain or cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, flushing, and sudden or frequent urge to urinate.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other similar medicines used to treat urinary retention e.g. distigmine, neostigmine
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. procainamide, quinidine
- atropine (medicine used to treat eye inflammation and certain bowel problems)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bethanechol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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