Urecholine

(Bethanechol Chloride)

The active ingredient in Urecholine is bethanechol chloride. Urecholine directly activates muscarinic receptors, causing the bladder muscle to contract and the urinary sphincter to relax. This helps restore normal urination in people with urinary retention and can also improve bowel movement activity in certain conditions.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Urecholine. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Urecholine:

• Urecholine may be taken by mouth or given as a subcutaneous injection, depending on your condition.
• Oral tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Taking Urecholine with food may increase side effects such as nausea and abdominal cramps.
• Oral doses are usually taken three or four times daily, as prescribed.
• If given by injection, it is administered by a healthcare professional.
• Follow your prescribed dosing schedule carefully.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
• Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during treatment.

Some mild or common side effects of Urecholine include:

• Abdominal cramps.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Increased salivation.
• Sweating.
• Flushing or warmth of the skin.
• Lightheadedness.
• Headache.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Urecholine. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia).
• Severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe abdominal pain or vomiting.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Urecholine. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Urecholine, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Coronary artery disease.
• Heart rhythm problems.
• Low blood pressure.
• Asthma or breathing disorders.
• Peptic ulcer disease.
• Parkinson’s disease.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
• Seizure disorders.
• Bladder or intestinal blockage.
• Recent bladder surgery.
• Peritonitis.
• A history of allergic reactions to bethanechol.

Urecholine should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to bethanechol chloride. It is contraindicated in individuals with mechanical obstruction of the urinary tract or gastrointestinal tract, peptic ulcer disease, asthma, pronounced hypotension, coronary artery disease, or conditions where increased muscle contraction could be harmful.

Urecholine often begins to work within 30 to 90 minutes after an oral dose. The effects on bladder muscle contraction and urination may be noticed shortly after dosing. Response time may vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual patient factors.

When Urecholine is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Atropine, which may reduce or block the effects of Urecholine.
• Other anticholinergic drugs, which may counteract its action.
• Cholinergic agents, which may increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure or slow heart rate.

Urecholine is available in the following dosage forms:

• Oral tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg.
• Subcutaneous injection: strength determined by healthcare provider.
• Typical dosing based on prescribing information:
• Oral dosing usually starts at 5 to 10 mg taken three or four times daily.
• The dose may be gradually increased to 25 to 50 mg three or four times daily if needed.
• Maximum oral doses are determined by tolerance and response.
• Subcutaneous dosing is typically lower and administered under medical supervision.
• Doses should be taken on an empty stomach to reduce side effects.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

Brand-name Urecholine was originally marketed by Merck & Co.

Yes, Urecholine is available as a generic medication under the name bethanechol chloride.

Do not stop taking Urecholine without consulting your healthcare provider. Your provider may adjust or discontinue treatment based on your response and underlying condition.

There is limited information on the use of bethanechol during pregnancy. Urecholine should only be used if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh potential risks.

It is not known whether bethanechol passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects in a nursing infant, breastfeeding should be discussed with your healthcare provider before using Urecholine.