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bethanechol - oral, Urecholine

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GENERIC NAME: BETHANECHOL - ORAL (be-THAN-e-kol)

BRAND NAME(S): Urecholine

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat certain bladder problems such as the inability to urinate or empty the bladder completely due to certain causes (e.g., surgery, bladder muscle problems). It works by helping the bladder muscle to squeeze better, thereby improving your ability to urinate.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat heartburn. It works by helping the stomach muscles move food down out of the stomach faster and by increasing the strength of the muscle between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter). This helps prevent food/acid in the stomach from rising back into the esophagus.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals), usually 3 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication on an empty stomach will help reduce nausea/vomiting.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps/pain, diarrhea, increased saliva/urination, sweating, flushing, watery eyes, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, fast heartbeat, severe abdominal pain.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: trouble breathing.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.