|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (be
THAN e
kole) |
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| Brand Names |
|
| Urecholine® |
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|
| Foreign Brand
Names |
|
| PMS-Bethanechol Chloride
(Canada) |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Cholinergic Agonist |
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|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to bethanechol or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Blockage of the
gastrointestinal tract, blockage of the urinary tract, over-active thyroid
gland, ulcer disease, seizures, lung disease, a very slow heartbeat, low blood
pressure, Parkinson's disease.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to treat patients who are unable to pass their
urine. The urinary retention is not due to a blockage.
- Another use is for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux
disease.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Bethanechol stimulates muscle contraction in the urinary tract and the
stomach and intestines. This increases the flow through these
systems.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible, but do not take near a meal.
Can cause nausea and vomiting.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or
extra
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Use caution if you have a seizure history, a stomach ulcer or
bleeding, any heart disease, lung disease, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's
disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Belly pain, cramps, nausea, burping, increased spit, or diarrhea.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Flushing or sweating.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the
same?
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Flushing or sweating that you are not able to tolerate.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store tablets in a tight container at room temperature.
- Refrigerate solution. Throw out after 30
days.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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