Directly stimulates muscarinic receptors on the detrusor muscle, enhancing bladder contraction; resistant to cholinesterase degradation
At a glance
Class
Parasympathomimetic (cholinergic agonist)
Dosing
Detrusor atony / Urinary retention (non-obstructive)
Max dose
50 mg/dose; 150 mg/day
Duration: As needed; until detrusor tone returns
Detrusor atony / Urinary retention (non-obstructive)
Max dose
7.5 mg/dose; 22.5 mg/day
Duration: As needed; until detrusor tone returns
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Salivation
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal cramping
Serious
Bradycardia
Bronchospasm
Hypotension
Urination patternResidual urine volume (ultrasound)Heart rate
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Bethanechol?
Bethanechol is a parasympathomimetic (cholinergic agonist) used in pets. Directly stimulates muscarinic receptors on the detrusor muscle, enhancing bladder contraction; resistant to cholinesterase degradation
›What is Bethanechol used for in pets?
Bethanechol is used in veterinary medicine for: Detrusor atony / Urinary retention (non-obstructive).
›What is the Bethanechol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Bethanechol is typically dosed as follows — Detrusor atony / Urinary retention (non-obstructive): 2.5–25 mg per dog PO TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Bethanechol dose for cats?
For cats, Bethanechol is typically dosed as follows — Detrusor atony / Urinary retention (non-obstructive): 1.25–5 mg per cat PO TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Bethanechol?
Common: Salivation, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Abdominal cramping. Serious (call your vet immediately): Bradycardia, Bronchospasm, Hypotension.
›Does Bethanechol need a prescription?
Yes. Bethanechol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Bethanechol not be used?
Do not use Bethanechol if: Urinary obstruction (mechanical); GI obstruction.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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