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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Bethanechol chloride

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Bethanechol chloride

  • Bethanechol is used occasionally for urine retention. Other treatments are preferred.
  • Take bethanechol half an hour before a meal.

About bethanechol chloride

Type of medicineParasympathomimetic
Used forUrinary retention
Also calledMyotonine®
Available asTablets

Acute urinary retention is when urine is retained in the bladder causing it to swell. Usually it is treated by inserting a catheter (a tube) into the bladder to drain the urine which relieves the pain associated with the condition. In occasional circumstances, bethanechol may be used to relieve the symptoms of urine retention instead of catheterisation.

Bethanechol works by acting on the nerves that control the muscles around the bladder. This helps to increase the emptying of the bladder and relieves the pain.

Before taking bethanechol chloride

Before taking bethanechol chloride make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have a stomach ulcer.
  • If you have any obstruction of the bowel or urinary system.
  • If you have any condition where an increase in bowel or urinary movement would be harmful.
  • If you have any heart or breathing problems.
  • If you have low blood pressure.
  • If you have epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take bethanechol chloride

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Take the tablets half an hour before a meal as this will help reduce the risk of feeling sick.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Bethanechol may interfere with your ability to drive. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other thing that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

Can bethanechol chloride cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, tummy painEat little and often Try sticking to simple foods
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer
Increased production of saliva, sweating, and tears; flushing, burping, and a runny noseIf troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store bethanechol chloride

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Myotonine®, Glenwood Laboratories Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised November 1996, accessed 24 July 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
4144		DocRef:
dils3918		Last Reviewed:
20 Oct 2008		Version:
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