Bethanechol Chloride

Bethanechol chloride acts principally by producing the effects of stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. It increases the tone of the detrusor urinae muscle, usually producing a contraction sufficiently strong to initiate micturition and empty the bladder. It stimulates gastric motility, increases gastric tone and often restores impaired rhythmic peristalsis.

Indications

Acute postoperative and postpartum non-obstructive (functional) urinary retention and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention.

Dosage

Oral: The adult dosage is 10 to 50mg three or four times a day. Administer 5 or 10mg initially and repeating the same dose at hourly intervals until satisfactory response occurs or until a maximum of 50mg has been given.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer, later or active bronchial asthma, pronounced bradycardia or hypotension vasomotor instability, coronary artery disease, epilepsy and parkinsonism. It should not be employed when the strength or integrity of the gastrointestinal or bladder wall is in question, or in the presence of mechanical obstruction; when increased muscular activity of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary bladder might prove harmful. In bladder neck obstruction, spastic gastr

Special Precautions

In urinary retention, if the sphincter fails to relax as Bethanechol chloride contracts the bladder, urine may be forced up the ureter into the kidney pelvis. If there is bacteriuria, this may cause reflux infections.

Side Effects

Rare.

Drug Interactions

Ganglion blocking compounds because critical fall in blood pressure may occur.