Bethanechol Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 3, 2023.

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.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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