The U.S. FDA-approved bethanechol for urinary retention and reflux esophagitis on November 21, 2007. Bethanechol belongs to the medication class known as choline esters. 

Bethanechol stimulates muscarinic receptors, causing smooth muscle contractions in the bladder and gastrointestinal tract. This helps relieve urinary retention and promote normal bodily functions.

Take the bethanechol as your physician advises. It is advised to consume this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of bethanechol are nausea, diarrhea, urinary urgency, headache, flushing, sweating, hypothermia (decreased body temperature), increased salivation, and sweating.

Bethanechol should not be consumed if you are allergic to bethanechol or any of its ingredients in the medication. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have a blockage in your gut, difficulty passing urine, or have had a recent heart attack or stomach surgery. Do not consume this medicine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly (over 70).

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Bethanechol may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience this, avoid driving or operating machinery. Contact your doctor, if you want to consume alcohol while on the treatment. 

Inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. Do not consume the medicine if pregnant or breastfeeding while taking bethanechol. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects.  

Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information. Contact your doctor for more information. Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 25°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. Taj Pharmaceutical Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on August 2015] [Accessed on 08th June 2023] PIL-TEFECHOLINE-BETHANECHOL-CHLORIDE-TAB.pdf (tajpharmaindia.com)
2. Achilles J. Pappano, Cholinoceptor-Activating & Cholinesterase-Inhibiting Drugs, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 107-123.
3. KD Tripathi, Cholinergic Transmission and Cholinergic Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 110-123.

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