Bethanechol is used in the treatment of urinary retention
It treats acute post-operative and postpartum non-obstructive (functional) urinary retention and neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention.

Bethanechol is a muscarinic agonist. It works by making the contraction of urinary bladder muscle sufficiently strong to initiate urination and empty the bladder.

Nausea, Vomiting, Sweating, Intestinal colic

• Always take bethanechol on an empty stomach/ half an hour before food to reduce the risk of nausea.
• Avoid using bethanechol if you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Consult your doctor before taking bethanechol if you have a history of or you are suffering from asthma, bladder infection, fits (epilepsy), high blood pressure, heart disease, Parkinson's disease (disorder with shuffling walk, and trembling), overactive thyroid gland, or ulcers.
• Stop bethanechol and consult your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, fainting or very slow heart beat (pulse rate below 50 beats per minute).
• Bethanechol may cause drowsiness and interfere with ability to drive or operate machinery.

Ques. Q. Is Bethanechol an anticholinergic?
No, Bethanechol is not anticholinergic medicine. It is a cholinergic agonist (a substance that stimulates an action), functions similar to a natural chemical (neurotransmitter) acetylcholine

Ques. Q. Is bethanechol a diuretic?
No, bethanechol is not a diuretic. It is a medicine that helps increase detrusor muscle (muscle which forms a layer of the wall of the bladder) contraction and facilitates urination

Ques. Q. Is Bethanechol an antibiotic?
No, Bethanechol is not an antibiotic. It is a medicine that helps increase detrusor muscle (muscle which forms a layer of the wall of the bladder) contraction and facilitates urination

Ques. Q. Is Bethanechol safe for infants?
Safety of Bethanechol has not been established and is not recommended for use in children below 18 years. Patients should follow advice of the doctor regarding its use

Ques. Q. What is Bethanechol used for/ used to treat?
Bethanechol is used to treat acute postoperative (post-surgical), postpartum (post child birth) nonobstructive (without blockage) urinary retention (holding urine in the bladder), and in neurogenic bladder conditions (urinary bladder dysfunction due to improper communication between the spinal nerves and urinary bladder). Bethanechol may also be used in congenital megacolon (abnormal dilatation of large intestine which is present from birth), gastro-esophageal reflux and reflux esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus due to regurgitation)

Ques. Q. Does Bethanechol cause depression or constipation?
There are no known effects of Bethanechol on constipation or depression

Ques. Q. How does Bethanechol acts on the bladder?
Bethanechol acts on the bladder and relives urinary retention (holding urine in the bladder) by increasing the detrusor muscle (muscle which forms a layer of the wall of the bladder) contraction thereby facilitating urination

Ques. Q. How long does Bethanechol take to work?
Bethanechol starts its action within one hour after taking the medicine.