Bethanecol

Bethanecol: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• A muscarinic agonist (cholinergic or parasympathomimetic) that increases urinary bladder detrusor muscle tone and contraction.

Uses of Bethanecol

• Management of urinary retention with reduced detrusor tone.
• It does not initiate a detrusor reflex and is ineffective if the bladder is areflexic.
• N.B: Best given on an empty stomach to avoid GI distress.

Dose of Bethanecol in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

Detrusor atony: 2.5–15 mg/dog p.o. q8h. Titrate the dose upwards to avoid side effects.

Cats:

Detrusor atony: 1.25–5 mg/cat p.o. q8h. Titrate the dose upwards to avoid side effects.

Side Effects of Bethanecol in Dogs and Cats

• Vomiting, diarrhea, GI cramping, anorexia, salivation, and bradycardia (with overdosage).
• Treat overdoses with atropine.

Contraindications of Bethanecol in Dogs and Cats

• Do not use when urethral resistance is increased unless in combination with agents that reduce urethral outflow pressure (e.g. phenoxybenzamine).