Bethanechol Dosage

Medically reviewed on December 15, 2017.

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.

Further information

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

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