Bethanechol Chloride

The typical dosage of Bethanechol Chloride for adults varies depending on the condition being treated:

• Urinary Retention: 10-50 mg taken orally three to four times a day.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) or Gastroparesis: Similar dosing, typically 10-50 mg taken orally three to four times daily, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to avoid nausea.

Dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's response to treatment and the specific condition being treated.

• Urinary hesitancy: 25 mg four times a day.
• Non-obstructive urinary retention: Dosage would be determined by the healthcare provider.

• Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as it can exacerbate bronchoconstriction.
• Hyperthyroidism, due to the risk of precipitating arrhythmias.
• Peptic ulcer disease, as it can increase gastric acid secretion.
• Bladder obstruction, as it can cause increased pressure in the bladder.
• Recent bladder or gastrointestinal surgery.
• Epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, due to potential worsening of symptoms.
• Known hypersensitivity to Bethanechol or any component of the formulation.

• Take the medication exactly as prescribed by their healthcare provider, particularly regarding timing relative to meals.
• Report any side effects such as excessive sweating, drooling, or abdominal cramps, which may indicate an overdose or heightened sensitivity to the medication.
• Be cautious when driving or operating machinery, as the medication can cause dizziness or blurred vision.
• Inform their healthcare provider of any other medications or supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions.

• Increased salivation (drooling)
• Sweating
• Flushing
• Abdominal discomfort or cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Diarrhea

• Bronchospasm (difficulty breathing)
• Severe bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Syncope (fainting)
• Seizures

• Exacerbation of Asthma or COPD: Bethanechol can cause bronchoconstriction, which may worsen symptoms in patients with asthma or COPD. Such patients should use this medication with caution and under close medical supervision.
• Risk of Overdose: Overdose symptoms may include excessive sweating, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and severe hypotension. Patients should take the medication exactly as prescribed and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any concerning symptoms.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Bethanechol may interact with other cholinergic or anticholinergic medications, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced efficacy.

• Anticholinergic drugs: Such as atropine, which can counteract the effects of Bethanechol.
• Cholinergic agonists: Concurrent use with other cholinergic agents can increase the risk of side effects, such as excessive salivation, sweating, or bradycardia.
• Beta-blockers: Concurrent use may increase the risk of severe bradycardia.
• Antihypertensive drugs: May enhance the hypotensive effects of Bethanechol, increasing the risk of low blood pressure.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions.

• Alpha-blockers: Such as tamsulosin, for urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Cholinergic agonists: Such as neostigmine, for certain cases of urinary retention or gastrointestinal motility issues.
• Prokinetic agents: Such as metoclopramide, for enhancing gastric motility in gastroparesis.
• Surgical interventions: In cases where mechanical obstruction is causing urinary retention, surgical options may be considered.

The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition, the patient’s specific health status, and response to previous treatments.