Bethanechol Dosage

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

Applies to the following strengths: 5 mg; 10 mg; 25 mg; 50 mg; 5 mg/mL

Usual Adult Dose for:

Urinary Retention
Neurogenic Bladder

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

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

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.