Betheran 25mg Tablet (Bethanechol 25mg)

INTRODUCTION

BETHERAN contains Bethanechol chloride which belong to a group of medicines called choline esters. They are used to treat urinary retention where the bladder hold urine following a surgery, drugs or other factors. It is also used in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus). It is not recommended for children.

This medicine works by helping the bladder muscle to contract to initiate micturition and empty the bladder. In reflux oesophagitis, it works by increasing the strength of the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, thus helping the stomach muscles move food down out of the stomach faster. This helps prevent food/acid in the stomach from rising back into the esophagus.

The usual dose for adults is 10 to 25 mg taken three to four times a day or as directed by physician. Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking this medicine, it may make you feel dizzy. Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease, heart disease, or pancreas problems. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking this medicine. The most common side effects are stomach spasms, increased salivation and sweating, feeling sick and decreased body temperature.

USES OF BETHERAN

Urinary retention following surgery or other factors
Reflux oesophagitis

HOW BETHERAN WORKS

BETHERAN works by helping the bladder muscle to contract to initiate micturition and empty the bladder. In reflux oesophagitis, it works by increasing the strength of the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, thus helping the stomach muscles move food down out of the stomach faster. This helps prevent food/acid in the stomach from rising back into the esophagus.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

The usual dose for adults is 10 to 25 mg taken three to four times a day or as directed by physician. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It should be taken half an hour before food. It is advisable to take this medicine on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of feeling sick.

SIDE EFFECTS OF BETHERAN

COMMON
Feeling and being sick, sweating and stomach pains/spasms
Increased salivation and sweating
Decreased body temperature (hypothermia)
RARE
Chest pain
Heat sensation
Feeling tense
Headache

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea:

Keep try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.

Headache:

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor if you are taking:

Medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythms
Other medicines used to treat urinary retention
Medicines used to reduce high blood pressure in emergency situations