Bethanechol
Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates the muscarinic receptors of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is primarily prescribed to treat urinary retention, particularly in cases following surgery or due to neurogenic bladder dysfunction, by promoting bladder muscle contraction. The medication may also be used to improve gastrointestinal motility in certain conditions.
Bethanechol is a cholinergic medication used to stimulate bladder contractions for treating urinary retention and occasionally gastrointestinal motility issues.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N07AB02
- RxNorm
- 19257
- Generic
- Bethanechol
- Class
- atc-n07
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 25-50mg three to four times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2 mg/kg/dose, up to 50mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10-25mg three to four times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use near delivery due to potential uterine stimulation
fetal monitoring and uterine activity assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution; drug passes into breast milk
monitor infant for cholinergic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use reduced starting dose and titrate slowly
monitor blood pressure and heart rate
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing required
limited pediatric data; use only if clearly needed
close monitoring for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; drug is renally excreted
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentuse with caution
limited data on hepatic impairment; monitor closely
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for bethanechol chloride
Drug class
ATC classification: N07BA01
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for Bethanechol
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Treatment of urinary retention (post-operative, neurogenic, or functional), gastroesophageal reflux disease, and occasionally for atonic constipation or ileus when other treatments are not appropriate.
Bethanechol acts as a direct muscarinic agonist, stimulating parasympathetic nervous system activity. This causes smooth muscle contraction in the bladder detrusor muscle and increases gastrointestinal peristalsis, facilitating urination and digestion.
Contraindicated in mechanical urinary obstruction, active asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, or recent GI surgery. Side effects may include flushing, sweating, bradycardia, and abdominal cramping. Should be taken on an empty stomach to minimize GI side effects.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy