Bethanechol Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 19, 2020.
Applies to the following strengths: 5 mg; 10 mg; 25 mg; 50 mg; 5 mg/mL
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Retention
Initial dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once to obtain minimum effective dose; repeat the same amount at hourly intervals until satisfactory response occurs or a maximum of 50 mg has been given
Maintenance dose: 10 to 50 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
Comments:
-Drug effects sometimes appear within 30 minutes and are usually maximal within 60 to 90 minutes.
-Drug effects persist for about 1 hour.
-If necessary, the effects of this drug can be eradicated promptly by atropine.
Uses: For the treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention; and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention
Usual Adult Dose for Neurogenic Bladder
Initial dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once to obtain minimum effective dose; repeat the same amount at hourly intervals until satisfactory response occurs or a maximum of 50 mg has been given
Maintenance dose: 10 to 50 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
Comments:
-Drug effects sometimes appear within 30 minutes and are usually maximal within 60 to 90 minutes.
-Drug effects persist for about 1 hour.
-If necessary, the effects of this drug can be eradicated promptly by atropine.
Uses: For the treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention; and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
-Hypersensitivity to the active component or to any of the ingredients
-Hyperthyroidism
-Peptic ulcer
-Latent or active bronchial asthma
-Pronounced bradycardia or hypotension
-Vasomotor instability
-Coronary artery disease
-Epilepsy
-Parkinsonism
-Mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal (GI) or bladder wall or the strength or integrity is in question
-When increased muscular activity of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary bladder might prove harmful (e.g., following recent urinary bladder surgery, gastrointestinal resection, and anastomosis, or possible GI obstruction)
-Bladder neck obstruction, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, acute inflammatory lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, or peritonitis
-Marked vagotonia
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
-Preferably to be taken on an empty stomach; if taken soon after eating, nausea and vomiting may occur.
-Doses must be individualized, depending on type and severity of condition being treated.
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