Introduction

Name

• Bethanechol chloride.

Class of drug

• Parasympathomimetic.
• Muscarinic (cholinergic) agonist.

Description

Chemical name

• Betanechol, 2-carbamoyloxy-1-(N,N,N-trimethyl)propyl ammonium chloride.

Molecular formula

• C₇H₁₇C₁N₂O₂.

Molecular weight

• 196.7 g/mol.

Physical properties

• White, crystalline.

Storage requirements

• At room temperature between 20-25°C/68-77°F.
• Keep away from light.
• Do not refrigerate.

Uses

Indications

• Stimulates bladder contractions - emptying the bladder and increasing urination:
  • Urine retention Bladder: urinary tract infection.
  • Bladder atony.
• Prokinetic agent: symptomatic treatment of dysautonomia Grass sickness.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

With other drugs

• Cholinergic drugs, eg atropine.
• Antiarrhythmic drugs, eg procainamide, quinidine.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Zakia L S, Gomez D E, Kenney D G & Arroyo L G (2021) Sabulous cystitis in the horse: 13 cases (2013-2020). Can Vet J 62 (7), 743-750 PubMed Article
• Rendle D I, Durham A E, Hughes K J et al (2008) Long-term management of sabulous cystitis in five horses. Vet Rec 162 (24), 783-787 PubMed
• Booth T M, Howes D A & Edwards G B (2000) Bethanechol-responsive bladder atony in a colt foal after cystorrhaphy for cystorrhexis. Vet Rec 147 (11), 306-308 PubMed.
• Ringger N C, Lester G D, Neuwirth L et al (1996) Effect of bethanechol or erythromycin on gastric emptying in horses. Am J Vet Res 57 (12), 1771-1775 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Brooks W (2021) Bethanechol Chloride (Urecholine, Myocholine). In: Veterinary Partner. Website: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com.
• Ramsey I (2017) Bethanechol. In: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 10th edn. BSAVA, UK. pp 45-46.
• Damen S (2016) Equine Gastro-intestinal Motility – A Review on Prokinetics, Spasmolytics and Their Receptors. University of Ghent, Belgium. Website: https://libstore.ugent.be (pdf download).
• Southwood L L (2013) Ed. Appendix B: Drug Dosages used in the Equine Colic Patient. In: Practical Guide to Equine Colic. Wiley & Sons, USA. Website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.