Bethanechol

The usual adult starting dose is 5 mg taken three or four times daily, at least 6 hours apart. The medication begins to work within 60 to 90 minutes and its effects last for up to 6 hours. Depending on side effects and your response to the medication, your doctor will gradually increase the dose of the medication until an appropriate response is reached.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Bethanechol is best taken on an empty stomach to avoid nausea and vomiting. Taking Bethanechol at least 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating helps to minimize upset stomach.

It is important to take Bethanechol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Bethanechol at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause hot flashes; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause abdominal discomfort; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it may cause excessive salivation. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for details.

Bethanechol chloride should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to bethanechol chloride or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is pregnant or breast-feeding
• has a condition in which increased muscular activity of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary bladder that might prove harmful (i.e., following recent urinary bladder surgery, stomach, or intestine resection)
• has a stomach ulcer
• has an overactive Thyroid
• has acute inflammatory lesions of the gastrointestinal tract
• has Asthma
• has bladder neck obstruction
• has Coronary Artery Disease
• has Epilepsy
• has had recent urinary bladder surgery
• has Parkinson's Disease
• has peritonitis
• has possible gastrointestinal or bladder obstruction
• has questionable strength or integrity of the gastrointestinal or bladder wall
• has severe lowering of heart rate or blood pressure
• has severe vagotonia
• has spastic gastrointestinal disturbances
• has vasomotor instability

There may be an interaction between bethanechol chloride and any of the following:

• atropine
• Galantamine
• hyoscine
• hyoscyamine
• Oxybutynin
• procainamide
• pyridostigmine
• quinidine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Bethanechol. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Bethanechol.

Asthma: Bethanechol chloride could worsen asthma symptoms in some people. People with asthma should discuss with their doctor how Bethanechol may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bethanechol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Epilepsy: Bethanechol chloride may increase the risk of seizures for people with epilepsy. People with epilepsy or a history of seizure disorder should discuss with their doctor how Bethanechol may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bethanechol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart disease: Bethanechol chloride could worsen the symptoms of certain types of heart disease. People with heart disease should discuss with their doctor how Bethanechol may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bethanechol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low Blood Pressure: For people with low blood pressure, bethanechol chloride could cause a further reduction in blood pressure thereby resulting in a worsening of symptoms. People with low blood pressure or those who are taking medication to reduce blood pressure, should discuss with their doctor how Bethanechol may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bethanechol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Overactive thyroid: Bethanechol chloride could increase the risk of heart problems associated with overactive thyroid. People with an overactive thyroid gland should discuss with their doctor how Bethanechol may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bethanechol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Parkinson's disease: Bethanechol chloride could worsen the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's disease should discuss with their doctor how Bethanechol may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bethanechol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stomach problems: Bethanechol chloride could worsen stomach ulcers or other stomach problems. People with stomach ulcers or a history of stomach problems should discuss with their doctor how Bethanechol may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bethanechol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Bethanechol should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Bethanechol, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if bethanechol chloride passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Bethanechol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Bethanechol have not been established for children.

This medication is typically used 3 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication should not be taken with food. It is best taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or 2 hours after a meal.