Bethanechol
Bethanechol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Bethanechol is a brand name. Its generic name is Bethanechol.
Bethanechol Introduction
Bethanechol is an anticholinergic medication used to treat urinary retention and bladder muscle problems. It works by relaxing the bladder muscle contractions, which helps to reduce or stop the feeling of needing to urinate more often.
Uses For
Bethanechol is used to treat urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder) caused by certain conditions such as surgery, nerve injury, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. It may also be used to help bowel movement. Bethanechol should be used only when other medications and treatments have been unsuccessful.
Mechanism Of Action
Bethanechol works by stimulating the muscarinic receptors of the bladder muscle. This results in relaxation of the bladder muscle, allowing urine to pass out freely. In addition to bladder muscle relaxation, Bethanechol can act as a neurotransmitter, stimulating nerve cells to transmit signals across the central nervous system.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
Bethanechol usually begins to take effect within 1–2 hours after administration. Maximum effects are usually seen within 4–8 hours.
Absorption
Bethanechol is rapidly absorbed after oral administration with peak concentrations occurring within 1–2 hours.
Route Of Elimination
Bethanechol is primarily metabolised in the liver and is excreted in the urine in unchanged form.
Dosage
Dosage of bethanechol varies according to the condition being treated. The usual recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years of age for bladder spasms is 5-10mg three times a day. For adults and children over 12 years old for bowel spasms, the usual recommended dosage is 10 mg three times a day.
Administration
Bethanechol is available in the form of tablets, oral suspensions, and capsules. It should be taken with water or juice and not with alcohol or carbonated drinks. It should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Bethanechol include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation. Serious side effects include hallucinations, fast or irregular heart rate, shortness of breath, and confusion.
Toxicity
Bethanechol is relatively safe when taken as prescribed, however, it can be toxic in high doses. In cases of overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Precaution
Bethanechol may interact negatively with certain medications such as cancer medications, antifungal medications, and certain antibiotics. It should not be used in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, gastrointestinal problems, or hypersensitivity to anticholinergic medications. It should also not be used in pregnant or nursing women.
Interaction
Bethanechol can interact with some medications including antibiotics, cancer treatments, or antifungals. It should not be used with urethral catheters, as it may cause discomfort. It also interacts with alcohol, so it should be avoided while taking Bethanechol.
Disease Interaction
Bethanechol may worsen certain diseases such as prostate problems, asthma, glaucoma, or emphysema. It should not be taken by people with very active colitis, severe constipation, or severe ulcerative colitis.
Drug Interaction
Bethanechol may interact with other medications including antibiotics, cancer treatments, or antifungals. It also interacts with alcohol, so it should be avoided while taking Bethanechol. It should not be taken by people with liver or kidney disease.
Food Interactions
Bethanechol should not be taken with alcohol or carbonated drinks. It should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.
Pregnancy Use
Bethanechol is not recommended for pregnant women. It may cause harm to the unborn baby. It should be used only when clearly needed with close monitoring by the healthcare provider.
Lactation Use
Bethanechol is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. It is advised to discontinue breastfeeding while using Bethanechol.
Acute Overdose
In case of an acute overdose, immediately seek medical attention. Symptoms of acute overdose include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, headache, and muscular twitching.
Contraindication
Bethanechol should not be used in people who have narrow-angle glaucoma, stomach or intestinal problems such as ulcerative colitis, paralytic ileus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It should not be used with urethral catheters, as it may cause discomfort. It also interacts with alcohol, so it should be avoided while taking Bethanechol.
Use Directions
Bethanechol should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. It should be taken with water or juice and not with alcohol or carbonated drinks. It should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.
Storage Condition
Bethanechol should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. It should not be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Volume of Distribution
Bethanechol has a volume of distribution of approximately 0.85 L/kg in adults.
Half Life
The half life of Bethanechol is 3–5 hours.
Clearance
Bethanechol is cleared from the body by hepatic metabolism and is excreted in the urine in unchanged form.
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