Adverse reactions are rare following oral administration of bethanechol, but are more common following subcutaneous injection. Adverse reactions are more likely to occur when dosage is increased.

The following adverse reactions have been observed: Body as a Whole: malaise; Digestive: abdominal cramps or discomfort, colicky pain, nausea and belching, diarrhea, borborygmi, salivation; Renal: urinary urgency; Nervous System: headache; Cardiovascular: a fall in blood pressure with reflex tachycardia, vasomotor response; Skin: flushing producing a feeling of warmth, sensation of heat about the face, sweating; Respiratory: bronchial constriction, asthmatic attacks; Special Senses: lacrimation, miosis,

Causal Relationship Unknown

The following adverse reactions have been reported, and a causal relationship to therapy with bethanechol has not been established: Body as a Whole: malaise; Nervous System: seizures.

Read the Bethanechol Chloride (bethanechol) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

Special care is required if this drug is given to patients receiving ganglion blocking compounds because a critical fail in blood pressure may occur. Usually, severe abdominal symptoms appear before there is such a fail in the blood pressure.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/28/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.