Bethanechol

Who is Bethanechol for ?

Bethanechol is used to relieve difficulties in urinating caused by surgery, drugs, or other factors. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Bethanechol ?

Before taking bethanechol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bethanechol or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially procainamide (Pronestyl), quinidine (Quinaglute), medications for colds or nasal congestion, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, a bladder infection, epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, an overactive thyroid gland, or ulcers.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking bethanechol, call your doctor.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Bethanechol Side Effects

Although side effects from bethanechol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• dizziness
• sweating or flushing

• shortness of breath
• fainting
• slow heart rate (pulse less than 50 beats per minute)