Bethanechol is a cholinergic muscarinic agonist indicated for the treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention. It is available as tablets for oral use. MedsAcross supplies Bethanechol for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.
Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review
From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.
Bethanechol chloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of acute postoperative and postpartum nonobstructive (functional) urinary retention and for neurogenic atony of the urinary bladder with retention.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Dosage must be individualized, depending on the type and severity of the condition to be treated. Preferably give the drug when the stomach is empty. If taken soon after eating, nausea and vomiting may occur. The usual adult oral dose ranges from 10 to 50 mg three or four times a day. The minimum effective dose is determined by giving 5 to 10 mg initially and repeating the same amount at hourly intervals until satisfactory response occurs, or until a maximum of 50 mg has been given. The effects of the drug sometimes appear within 30 minutes and are usually maximal within 60 to 90 minutes. The drug effects persist for about one hour. If necessary, the effects of the drug can be abolished promptly by atropine.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Hypersensitivity to bethanechol chloride tablets, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer, latent or active bronchial asthma, pronounced bradycardia or hypotension, vasomotor instability, coronary artery disease, epilepsy and parkinsonism.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
General In urinary retention, if the sphincter fails to relax as bethanechol chloride contracts the bladder, urine may be forced up the ureter into the kidney pelvis. If there is bacteriuria, this may cause reflux infection. Information for Patients Bethanechol chloride tablets should preferably be taken one hour before or two hours after meals to avoid nausea or vomiting. Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting may occur, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Drug Interactions Special care is required if this drug is given to patients receiving ganglion blocking compounds because a critical fall in blood pressure may occur. Usually, severe abdominal symptoms appear before there is such a fall in the blood pressure.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Adverse reactions are rare following oral administration of bethanechol chloride, but are more common following subcutaneous injection. Adverse reactions are more likely to occur when dosage is increased. The following adverse reactions have been observed: Body as a Whole: malaise, Digestive: abdominal cramps or discomfort, colicky pain, nausea and belching, diarrhea, borborygmi, salivation, Renal: urinary urgency, Nervous System: headache, Cardiovascular: a fall in blood pressure with reflex tachycardia, vasomotor response, Skin: flushing producing a feeling of warmth, sensation of heat about the face, sweating, Respiratory: bronchial constriction, asthmatic attacks, Special Senses: lacrimation, miosis.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Special care is required if this drug is given to patients receiving ganglion blocking compounds because a critical fall in blood pressure may occur. Usually, severe abdominal symptoms appear before there is such a fall in the blood pressure.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).
Source: US FDA prescribing information
For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.
4 presentations of Bethanechol, sorted by availability.
| Medicine | Manufacturer | Register | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethanechol 25 mg tabletOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Bethanechol 10 mg tabletOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Bethanechol 5 mg tabletOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Bethanechol 50 mg tabletOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.
| Register | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US FDA | First approved 12 October 1948 | Drugs@FDA |
| EU (EMA) | Not recorded | — |
| India (CDSCO) | Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists | — |
| United States | Registered | US FDA (NDC directory, openFDA)Checked 12 November 2026 |
Conditions linked to Bethanechol in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.
Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 4 presentations of Bethanechol and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.
Yes. The US FDA first approved Bethanechol on 12 October 1948, according to Drugs@FDA.
No listed presentation of Bethanechol is recorded as needing a cold chain. Storage conditions are shown on each presentation page.
Bethanechol is classified under ATC code N07AB02 (Bethanechol).
Tell us the strength, quantity and destination country. Our team replies with availability, lead time and the import documents needed.