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
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.
Find a vet near you →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
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.
Find a vet near you →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.
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.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database