Sometimes, after surgery or due to some other medical condition, it is difficult to completely empty the bladder. Even though you have to urinate, you feel a lot of discomfort because you cannot urinate properly. So, today we are talking about a special medicine that your doctor will prescribe for you in such a situation. The name of this medicine is Bethanechol.
What is Bethanechol?
Simply put, this is a medicine that stimulates the muscles of your bladder, causing them to contract, and helps you urinate properly. It is mainly given to patients who have weak bladder function and difficulty holding urine for some reason. This medicine can be found in the market under brand names like Duvoid or Urecholine. But only a doctor can give you this medicine after carefully examining your medical condition.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing Bethanechol to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. This is because using this medication with certain medical conditions can be risky. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Condition or cause | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Asthma | This medicine may increase breathing difficulties. |
| A urinary tract obstruction or recent surgery | Stimulating the bladder when there is a blockage can be dangerous. |
| Heart disease | It can affect heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Low blood pressure | Blood pressure may be further reduced. |
| Parkinson's disease | Symptoms may be affected. |
| Ambulance/Seizure disorder | May increase the risk of seizures. |
| Slow heart rate | The heart rate may decrease further. |
| Stomach ulcers or stomach problems | It can worsen the condition by increasing stomach acid secretion. |
| Thyroid disease | Some thyroid conditions may be affected. |
| Allergies | Tell us if you have any allergies to bethanechol, other medications, foods, or dyes (especially tartrazine). |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | In these cases, it is essential to talk to your doctor about the safety of the medication. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- Take with a glass of water: Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Take on an empty stomach: This is the most important thing. You should take this medicine either one hour before or two hours after a meal . If you take it with food, you may experience discomfort such as stomach upset and nausea.
- Take it on time: Try to take it at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Only stop if your doctor tells you to: Even if you feel better, don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to.
- If given to children: Children may need special care if given this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine by mistake, don't panic. But don't take it lightly either. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
Other things to be aware of when taking this medicine
- Interactions with other medications: There are other medications that can interact with this medicine. For example, medications like atropine. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medication may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Therefore, do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this affects you.
- Get up slowly: To reduce the risk of dizziness and falling, get up slowly, whether you're sitting or lying down.
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol may increase side effects such as dizziness. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- Medical tests: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor and check your condition. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Bethanechol can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing | Rapid or irregular heartbeat |
| Dizziness, feeling faint, falling | Low blood pressure |
| Seizure | Vomiting |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Stomach ache, bloating, nausea | Headache |
| Flushing | Excessive salivation and tears |
| Unusual sweating | Frequent need to urinate |
| Diarrhea | |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Storage: Store this medicine at a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. Keep it securely closed and out of the reach of children and pets .
- Disposal: When disposing of expired or no longer needed medication, check to see if it is safe to throw it in the trash. If you are unsure, ask your doctor. If you are throwing it in the trash, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and put them in a sealed bag.
Take-Home Message
- Bethanechol is a medication that stimulates the muscles of the bladder and helps with urination.
- This medicine should always be taken on an empty stomach. That means one hour before or two hours after a meal.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as asthma, heart disease, and low blood pressure.
- If you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or changes in heart rate, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Talk openly with your doctor about any health problems you may have.
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