Bethanechol
Also known as: Urecholine, Myotonine
> **Important**: Bethanechol helps your pet's bladder muscle contract so they can urinate properly. It is often used when the bladder has become overstretched or weak. - **Administration**: Give exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose without consulting your veterinarian. - **What to Watch For**: Because this drug stimulates the "rest and digest" system, you might notice side effects commonly remembered by the acronym **SLUD** (Salivation, Lacrimation/tearing, Urination, Defecation). Mild vomiting or diarrhea can also occur. - **When to Call the Vet**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences severe vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, or seems unusually weak. - **Safety Warning**: Never give this medication if your pet is straining but unable to pass urine (blocked), as forcing the bladder to contract against a blockage could cause severe damage or rupture.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Salivation
- Lacrimation
- Urination
- Defecation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Bradycardia (high dose/SC)
- Arrhythmias (high dose/SC)
- Hypotension (high dose/SC)
- Asthma/Dyspnea (high dose/SC)
- Abdominal pain (horses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Bladder neck or urinary outflow obstruction
- Questionable bladder wall integrity (e.g., recent bladder surgery)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Peptic ulcer disease or inflammatory GI lesions
- Recent GI surgery with resections/anastomoses
- GI obstruction or peritonitis
- Hypersensitivity to bethanechol
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Coronary artery disease or occlusion
- Hypotension
- Severe bradycardia
- Vagotonia or vasomotor instability
- > **Important Outflow Warning**: If urinary outflow resistance is increased due to enhanced urethral tone (not mechanical obstruction), bethanechol should **only** be used in conjunction with another agent that will sufficiently reduce outflow resistance (e.g., diazepam, dantrolene for striated muscle, or phenoxybenzamine for smooth muscle). - **Route Warnings**: IM or IV use is not recommended except in emergencies when the IV route may be used. Severe cholinergic reactions are likely if given IV. - **Antidote Readiness**: If injecting the drug (SC or IV), it is highly recommended that **atropine** be immediately available to treat potential cholinergic crisis.
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, glycopyrrolate, propantheline): Can antagonize bethanechol's effects
- Other cholinergic drugs: Additive toxicity and increased risk of cholinergic crisis
- Atropine: Antagonizes the effects of bethanechol
Frequently asked questions
What is Bethanechol used for in pets?
> **Important**: Bethanechol helps your pet's bladder muscle contract so they can urinate properly. It is often used when the bladder has become overstretched or weak. - **Administration**: Give exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose without consulting your veterinarian. - **What to Watch For**: Because this drug stimulates the "rest and digest" system, you might notice side effects commonly remembered by the acronym **SLUD** (Salivation, Lacrimation/tearing, Urination, Defecation). Mild vomiting or diarrhea can also occur. - **When to Call the Vet**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences severe vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, or seems unusually weak. - **Safety Warning**: Never give this medication if your pet is straining but unable to pass urine (blocked), as forcing the bladder to contract against a blockage could cause severe damage or rupture.
Is Bethanechol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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