Bethcol Tablet


Product Info

Prescription required Yes
Marketer Demorbus India Pvt Ltd
Active Ingredient Bethanechol (25mg)
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical ClassTetraalkylammonium Salts Derivative
Habit FormingNo
Therapeutic ClassUROLOGY
Action ClassCholinomimetic Esters
User Rating4.7
User Reviews603

FAQ

Question
What if I forget to take a dose of Bethcol?
If you miss a dose and remember within an hour of the scheduled dose then you can continue with your usual dose. If, however, the gap is more than two or more hours then do not take the medicine and wait until the next dose is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Answer

Question
When should I take Bethcol?
It should preferably be taken on an empty stomach. This is because taking it soon after eating may cause nausea and vomiting. The treatment varies from one individual to other depending on the condition being treated. Hence, it should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Answer

Question
Can Bethcol cause stomach upset?
Bethcol may cause severe stomach pain, belching, nausea, diarrhoea, and increased sounds from the stomach when taken in large doses. If you experience these symptoms which are severe and persist for a longer time then you should tell your doctor.
Answer

Question
How long does it take for Bethcol to start working?
Bethcol starts acting quickly, within 60 to 90 minutes of taking it. The effect of the medicine lasts for 6 hours and therefore a gap of at least 6 hours should be maintained between two doses.
Answer

Question
Does Bethcol cause sleepiness?
Yes, Bethcol may make you drowsy and cause sleepiness. If you experience these symptoms, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Answer

Question
Is Bethcol an anticholinergic?
No, Bethcol is not an anticholinergic, on the contrary it is a cholinergic medicine. It is used to relieve difficulties in urinating caused by surgery, post pregnancy, medicines, or other factors.
Answer

Question
Can I take alcohol while on Bethcol?
No, you should not take alcohol while taking Bethcol as alcohol can add to the drowsiness associated with Bethcol. Additionally, it may increase your risk of having a stomach ulcer.
Answer

Question
Does Bethcol affect blood pressure?
Yes, Bethcol affects the blood pressure by decreasing it. This medicine may also slow down your pulse rate. In some cases, especially at the beginning of therapy sudden changes of posture may lead to feeling of dizziness or giddiness (orthostatic hypotension). Consult your doctor in case you experience any of these symptoms.
Answer

Bethcol Tablet Reviews

Bethcol is used in the treatment of urinary retention (inability to urinate) which usually occurs following surgery or after giving birth. It helps to contract the muscles of the bladder which further leads to urination.

Bethcol also helps to improve your exercise ability. It is advised to take it in a dose and duration as per prescription. It can be taken by empty stomach but take it at a fixed time regularly. Swallow the medicine as a whole without crushing or chewing it. You should not stop taking the medicine without consulting the doctor as it may lead to the worsening of your symptoms.

Some common side effects of this medicine are headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmia, flushing, and sweating. It may also make you feel dizzy or sleepy, so it advised not to drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you. If any of the side effects bother you or persist, consult the doctor without delay.

Before receiving the treatment, inform your doctor if you are on any medication for any health conditions. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor prior to the treatment as it is usually not recommended during pregnancy.

How Bethcol Tablet Works

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

How to Use Bethcol Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Bethcol is to be taken empty stomach.

Benefits of Bethcol Tablet

  • In Treatment of Urinary retention: Urinary retention means problems in emptying the bladder. This may be due to disturbed coordination of nerves and muscles of the bladder which leads to the inability to pass urine. Bethcol induces contractions in the bladder muscles and improves their function. This helps to treat urinary retention effectively. Take it as advised by the doctor and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Uses of Bethcol Tablet

  • Treatment of Urinary retention

Bethcol Tablet Side Effects

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Safety Tips

Breast feeding  CAUTION
Bethcol should be used with caution during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should be held until the treatment of the mother is completed and the drug is eliminated from her body.
Kidney  SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Bethcol is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Bethcol may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Bethcol in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Bethcol may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol  CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Bethcol. Please consult your doctor.
Driving  UNSAFE
Bethcol may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.

Quick Tips

  • Take it on an empty stomach,  half an hour before food, to reduce the risk of feeling sick.
  • It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • Do not take it if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
  • Bethcol helps treat urinary retention (holding urine in the bladder) following an operation or after giving birth.

References

  1. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. p. 142.
  2. Medscape. Bethanechol.
  3. Padda IS, Derian A. Bethanechol. [Updated 2022 Nov 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
  4. Brown JH, Laiken N. Muscarinic Receptor Agonists and Antagonists. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 224.
  5. Drugs.com. Bethanechol.
  6. Bethanechol chloride [Prescribing Information]. Maple Grove, MN: Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC; 2020.

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