Bethanechol

Bethanecol treats urinary retention which is the inability to urinate. Take on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, to avoid nausea or vomiting. May cause dizziness.

Bethanechol Overview

Reviewed: October 3, 2013

Updated: May 4, 2015

Bethanechol is a prescription medication used to relieve difficulties in urinating caused by surgery, drugs, or other factors. Bethanechol belongs to a group of drugs called cholinergic agents, which help muscles work to empty urine from the bladder.

This medication comes in tablet form and is taken 3 or 4 times a day, on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Common side effects of bethanechol include general discomfort, upset stomach, and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how bethanechol affects you.

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Other
Abnormalities, Drug-induced
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Urinary Retention

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A month or so
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Uses of Bethanechol

Bethanechol is a prescription medication used to relieve difficulties in urinating caused by surgery, drugs, or other factors.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Bethanechol Brand Names

Bethanechol may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Bethanechol Drug Class

Bethanechol is part of the drug class:

Choline esters

Side Effects of Bethanechol

Serious side effects have been reported with bethanechol.

Common side effects of bethanechol include general discomfort, upset stomach, and dizziness.

This is not a complete list of bethanechol side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.