|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (be
THAN e
kole) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Urecholine® |
|
|
| Foreign Brand
Names |
|
| PMS-Bethanechol Chloride
(Canada) |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Cholinergic Agonist |
|
|
| 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).
|
|
|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
|
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.
|
![[Subscribe to Newsletter]](http://www.healthandage.org/images/tonews.gif){kind=small}
Alternative Medicine
