Urecholine Side Effects

Generic name: bethanechol

Note: This document contains side effect information about bethanechol. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Urecholine.

Some side effects of Urecholine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to bethanechol: oral tablet

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking bethanechol (the active ingredient contained in Urecholine) and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in your chest.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bethanechol and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness or drowsiness;

• headache;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort;

• slow heartbeats followed by fast heartbeats;

• flushing or warmth about the face;

• sweating; or

• tearing eyes.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to bethanechol: compounding powder, oral tablet, subcutaneous solution

General

Adverse reactions occur more commonly following subcutaneous administration of bethanechol (the active ingredient contained in Urecholine) than with oral administration.

Cholinergic overstimulation with symptoms of circulatory collapse, fall in blood pressure, abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, shock, or sudden cardiac arrest has been reported rarely with subcutaneous administration of bethanechol. Atropine sulfate should be available to treat symptoms of toxicity when bethanechol is administered subcutaneously. The adult dose of atropine is 0.6 mg administered subcutaneously every 2 hours, according to patient response.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included decreased blood pressure with reflex tachycardia and vasomotor response.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache and seizure. Hypothermia has been reported. An acute dystonic reaction associated with the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux during bethanechol (the active ingredient contained in Urecholine) therapy in an infant has been reported.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included abdominal cramps, colicky pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, and borborygmi.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included lacrimation and miosis.

Renal

Renal side effects have included urinary urgency.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included aggravation of asthma and bronchial constriction.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included warmth/heat, flushing, and sweating. A case of miliaria crystallina associated with the use of bethanechol (the active ingredient contained in Urecholine) in a diabetic patient with autonomic bladder neuropathy has been reported.

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