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Bethanechol Prescribing Information

Package insert / product label
Generic name: bethanechol chloride
Dosage form: tablet
Drug class: Miscellaneous genitourinary tract agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

Rx only

Bethanechol Description

Bethanechol chloride, USP, a cholinergic agent, is a synthetic ester which is structurally and pharmacologically related to acetylcholine.

It is designated chemically as 2-[(aminocarbonyl)oxy]-N, N, N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium chloride. Its molecular formula is C7H17ClN2O2 and its structural formula is:

Chemical Structure

It is a white, hygroscopic crystalline powder having a slight amine-like odor, freely soluble in water, and has a molecular weight of 196.68.

Each tablet for oral administration contains 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg or 50 mg bethanechol chloride, USP. Tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, (25 mg and 50 mg) D&C Yellow #10 Lake and FD&C Yellow #6 Lake.

Bethanechol - Clinical Pharmacology

Bethanechol chloride acts principally by producing the effects of stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. It increases the tone of the detrusor urinae muscle, usually producing a contraction sufficiently strong to initiate micturition and empty the bladder. It stimulates gastric motility, increases gastric tone and often restores impaired rhythmic peristalsis.

Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system releases acetylcholine at the nerve endings. When spontaneous stimulation is reduced and therapeutic intervention is required, acetylcholine can be given, but it is rapidly hydrolyzed by cholinesterase and its effects are transient. Bethanechol chloride is not destroyed by cholinesterase and its effects are more prolonged than those of acetylcholine.

Effects on the GI and urinary tracts sometimes appear within 30 minutes after oral administration of bethanechol chloride, but more often 60 to 90 minutes are required to reach maximum effectiveness. Following oral administration, the usual duration of action of bethanechol chloride is one hour, although large doses (300 to 400 mg) have been reported to produce effects for up to six hours. Subcutaneous injection produces a more intense action on bladder muscle than does oral administration of the drug.

Because of the selective action of bethanechol chloride, nicotinic symptoms of cholinergic stimulation are usually absent or minimal when orally or subcutaneously administered in therapeutic doses, while muscarinic effects are prominent. Muscarinic effects usually occur within 5 to 15 minutes after subcutaneous injection, reach a maximum in 15 to 30 minutes, and disappear within two hours. Doses that stimulate micturition and defecation and increase peristalsis do not ordinarily stimulate ganglia or voluntary muscles. Therapeutic test doses in normal human subjects have little effect on heart rate, blood pressure or peripheral circulation.

Bethanechol chloride does not cross the blood-brain barrier because of its charged quaternary amine moiety. The metabolic rate and mode of excretion of the drug have not been elucidated.

A clinical study (Diokno, A.C.; Lapides, J.; Urol 10: 23-24, July 1977) was conducted on the relative effectiveness of oral and subcutaneous doses of bethanechol chloride on the stretch response of bladder muscle in patients with urinary retention. Results showed that 5 mg of the drug given subcutaneously stimulated a response that was more rapid in onset and of larger magnitude than an oral dose of 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg. All the oral doses, however, had a longer duration of effect than the subcutaneous dose. Although the 50 mg oral dose caused little change in intravesical pressure in this study, this dose has been found in other studies to be clinically effective in the rehabilitation of patients with decompensated bladders.

Indications and Usage for Bethanechol

Bethanechol chloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to bethanechol chloride tablets, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer, latent or active bronchial asthma, pronounced bradycardia or hypotension, vasomotor instability, coronary artery disease, epilepsy and parkinsonism.

Bethanechol chloride should not be employed when the strength or integrity of the gastrointestinal or bladder wall is in question, or in the presence of mechanical obstruction; when increased muscular activity of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary bladder might prove harmful, as following recent urinary bladder surgery, gastrointestinal resection and anastomosis, or when there is possible gastrointestinal obstruction; in bladder neck obstruction, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, acute inflammatory lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, or peritonitis; or in marked vagotonia.

Precautions

General

In urinary retention, if the sphincter fails to relax as bethanechol chloride contracts the bladder, urine may be forced up the ureter into the kidney pelvis. If there is bacteriuria, this may cause reflux infection.

Information for Patients

Bethanechol chloride tablets should preferably be taken one hour before or two hours after meals to avoid nausea or vomiting. Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting may occur, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position.

Drug Interactions

Special care is required if this drug is given to patients receiving ganglion blocking compounds because a critical fall in blood pressure may occur. Usually, severe abdominal symptoms appear before there is such a fall in the blood pressure.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the effects upon fertility, mutagenic or carcinogenic potential of bethanechol chloride.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with bethanechol chloride. It is also not known whether bethanechol chloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Bethanechol chloride should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is secreted in human milk. Because many drugs are secreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from bethanechol chloride in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Adverse reactions are rare following oral administration of bethanechol chloride, but are more common following subcutaneous injection. Adverse reactions are more likely to occur when dosage is increased.

The following adverse reactions have been observed: Body as a Whole: malaise; Digestive: abdominal cramps or discomfort, colicky pain, nausea and belching, diarrhea, borborygmi, salivation; Renal: urinary urgency; Nervous System: headache; Cardiovascular: a fall in blood pressure with reflex tachycardia, vasomotor response; Skin: flushing producing a feeling of warmth, sensation of heat about the face, sweating; Respiratory: bronchial constriction, asthmatic attacks; Special Senses: lacrimation, miosis.

Causal Relationship Unknown

The following adverse reactions have been reported, and a causal relationship to therapy with bethanechol chloride has not been established: Body as a Whole: malaise; Nervous System: seizures.

Overdosage

Early signs of overdosage are abdominal discomfort, salivation, flushing of the skin ("hot feeling"), sweating, nausea, and vomiting.

Atropine Sulfate is a specific antidote. The recommended dose for adults is 0.6 mg. Repeat doses can be given every two hours, according to clinical response. The recommended dosage in infants and children up to 12 years of age is 0.01 mg/kg (to a maximum single dose of 0.4 mg) repeated every two hours as needed until the desired effect is obtained or adverse effects of atropine preclude further usage. Subcutaneous injection of atropine is preferred except in emergencies when the intravenous route may be employed.

The oral LD50 of bethanechol chloride is 1510 mg/kg in the mouse.

Bethanechol Dosage and Administration

Dosage must be individualized, depending on the type and severity of the condition to be treated.

Preferably give the drug when the stomach is empty. If taken soon after eating, nausea and vomiting may occur.

The usual adult oral dose ranges from 10 to 50 mg three or four times a day. The minimum effective dose is determined by giving 5 to 10 mg initially and repeating the same amount at hourly intervals until satisfactory response occurs, or until a maximum of 50 mg has been given. The effects of the drug sometimes appear within 30 minutes and are usually maximal within 60 to 90 minutes. The drug effects persist for about one hour.

If necessary, the effects of the drug can be abolished promptly by atropine [see OVERDOSAGE].

How is Bethanechol supplied

Bethanechol Chloride Tablets, USP

5 mg tablets are white, 7/16" diameter, round flat faced bevel edge tablets; one side scored and debossed BCL bisect 5, one side debossed 832. They are supplied as follows:

Bottles of 100 tabletsNDC 0832-0510-00
Bottles of 1,000 tabletsNDC 0832-0510-10
Unit-dose cartons of 100 tabletsNDC 0832-0510-01

10 mg tablets are white, 7/16" diameter, round flat faced bevel edge tablets; one side scored and debossed BCL bisect 10, one side debossed 832. They are supplied as follows:

Bottles of 100 tabletsNDC 0832-0511-00
Bottles of 250 tabletsNDC 0832-0511-25
Bottles of 1,000 tabletsNDC 0832-0511-10
Unit-dose cartons of 100 tabletsNDC 0832-0511-01

25 mg tablets are yellow, 7/16" diameter, round flat faced bevel edge tablets; one side scored and debossed BCL bisect 25, one side debossed 832. They are supplied as follows:

Bottles of 100 tabletsNDC 0832-0512-00
Bottles of 250 tabletsNDC 0832-0512-25
Bottles of 500 tabletsNDC 0832-0512-50
Bottles of 1,000 tabletsNDC 0832-0512-10
Unit-dose cartons of 100 tablets NDC 0832-0512-01

50 mg tablets are yellow, 7/16" diameter, round flat faced bevel edge tablets; one side scored and debossed BCL bisect 50, one side debossed 832. They are supplied as follows:

Bottles of 100 tabletsNDC 0832-0513-00
Bottles of 500 tabletsNDC 0832-0513-50
Bottles of 1,000 tabletsNDC 0832-0513-10
Unit-dose cartons of 100 tabletsNDC 0832-0513-01

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dispense in a tight container as defined in the USP.

Keep out of reach of children.

Manufactured by
UPSHER-SMITH LABORATORIES, LLC
Maple Grove, MN 55369

Revised: 5/2020

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg Tablet Bottle Label

NDC 0832-0510-00

Bethanechol
Chloride
Tablets, USP

5 mg

100 Tablets
Rx only

UPSHER-SMITH

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg Tablet Bottle Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg Tablet Bottle Label

NDC 0832-0511-00

Bethanechol
Chloride
Tablets, USP

10 mg

100 Tablets
Rx only

UPSHER-SMITH

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg Tablet Bottle Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 25 mg Tablet Bottle Label

NDC 0832-0512-00

Bethanechol
Chloride
Tablets, USP

25 mg

100 Tablets
Rx only

UPSHER-SMITH

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 25 mg Tablet Bottle Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 50 mg Tablet Bottle Label

NDC 0832-0513-00

Bethanechol
Chloride
Tablets, USP

50 mg

100 Tablets
Rx only

UPSHER-SMITH

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 50 mg Tablet Bottle Label
BETHANECHOL CHLORIDE
bethanechol chloride tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0832-0510
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
Bethanechol Chloride (UNII: H4QBZ2LO84) (Bethanechol - UNII:004F72P8F4) Bethanechol Chloride5 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)
lactose monohydrate (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X)
magnesium stearate (UNII: 70097M6I30)
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (UNII: OP1R32D61U)
SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO (UNII: 5856J3G2A2)
Product Characteristics
ColorWHITEScore2 pieces
ShapeROUNDSize11mm
FlavorImprint CodeBCL;5;832
Contains
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0832-0510-00100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
2NDC:0832-0510-101000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
3NDC:0832-0510-01100 in 1 CARTON01/24/2010
3NDC:0832-0510-891 in 1 BLISTER PACK; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA04063301/24/2010
BETHANECHOL CHLORIDE
bethanechol chloride tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0832-0511
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
Bethanechol Chloride (UNII: H4QBZ2LO84) (Bethanechol - UNII:004F72P8F4) Bethanechol Chloride10 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)
lactose monohydrate (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X)
magnesium stearate (UNII: 70097M6I30)
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (UNII: OP1R32D61U)
SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO (UNII: 5856J3G2A2)
Product Characteristics
ColorWHITEScore2 pieces
ShapeROUNDSize11mm
FlavorImprint CodeBCL;10;832
Contains
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0832-0511-00100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
2NDC:0832-0511-25250 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
3NDC:0832-0511-101000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
4NDC:0832-0511-01100 in 1 CARTON01/24/2010
4NDC:0832-0511-891 in 1 BLISTER PACK; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA04063401/24/2010
BETHANECHOL CHLORIDE
bethanechol chloride tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0832-0512
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
Bethanechol Chloride (UNII: H4QBZ2LO84) (Bethanechol - UNII:004F72P8F4) Bethanechol Chloride25 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)
lactose monohydrate (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X)
magnesium stearate (UNII: 70097M6I30)
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (UNII: OP1R32D61U)
SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO (UNII: 5856J3G2A2)
D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G)
FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 (UNII: H77VEI93A8)
Product Characteristics
ColorYELLOWScore2 pieces
ShapeROUNDSize11mm
FlavorImprint CodeBCL;25;832
Contains
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0832-0512-00100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
2NDC:0832-0512-25250 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
3NDC:0832-0512-50500 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
4NDC:0832-0512-101000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
5NDC:0832-0512-01100 in 1 CARTON01/24/2010
5NDC:0832-0512-891 in 1 BLISTER PACK; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA04063501/24/2010
BETHANECHOL CHLORIDE
bethanechol chloride tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0832-0513
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
Bethanechol Chloride (UNII: H4QBZ2LO84) (Bethanechol - UNII:004F72P8F4) Bethanechol Chloride50 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)
lactose monohydrate (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X)
magnesium stearate (UNII: 70097M6I30)
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (UNII: OP1R32D61U)
SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO (UNII: 5856J3G2A2)
D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G)
FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 (UNII: H77VEI93A8)
Product Characteristics
ColorYELLOWScore2 pieces
ShapeROUNDSize11mm
FlavorImprint CodeBCL;50;832
Contains
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0832-0513-00100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
2NDC:0832-0513-50500 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
3NDC:0832-0513-101000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/24/2010
4NDC:0832-0513-01100 in 1 CARTON01/24/2010
4NDC:0832-0513-891 in 1 BLISTER PACK; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA04063601/24/2010
Labeler - Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC (047251004)
Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC047251004ANALYSIS(0832-0510, 0832-0511, 0832-0512, 0832-0513) , manufacture(0832-0510, 0832-0511, 0832-0512, 0832-0513)
Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC079111820LABEL(0832-0510, 0832-0511, 0832-0512, 0832-0513) , PACK(0832-0510, 0832-0511, 0832-0512, 0832-0513) , manufacture(0832-0510, 0832-0511, 0832-0512, 0832-0513)