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What is the most important information I should know about bethanechol?

Take bethanechol on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to prevent nausea and vomiting. Bethanechol may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to avoid becoming dizzy, falling, or hurting yourself. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Bethanechol may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is bethanechol?

Bethanechol stimulates your bladder to empty.

Bethanechol is used to treat urinary retention (difficulty urinating), which may occur after surgery, after delivering a baby, and in other situations.

Bethanechol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bethanechol?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid);

• have stomach ulcers;

• have asthma;

• have recently had bladder or intestinal surgery;

• have a blockage in your intestinal tract;

• have a slow heart rate or low blood pressure;

• have a disease or blockage of the arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease);

• have epilepsy or any other seizure disorder; or

• have Parkinson's disease.

You may not be able to take bethanechol, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Bethanechol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether bethanechol will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether bethanechol passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take bethanechol?

Take bethanechol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take bethanechol on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to prevent nausea and vomiting. Store bethanechol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a bethanechol overdose include abdominal discomfort, increased salivation or watering mouth, flushing or hot feeling of the skin, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking bethanechol?

Bethanechol may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to avoid becoming dizzy, falling, or hurting yourself. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Bethanechol may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.