It is used to treat certain urinary tract or bladder disorders. Helps cause the urge to urinate and empty the bladder.
Description
Like the rest of choline esters, betanechol, due to its [[hydrophilic] properties, is inadequately absorbed and distributed in the central nervous system. Due to the ability to resist the action of cholinesterase, its time of action is extremely long, but the presence of a beta-methyl group in its molecule reduces the potency of the substance at the nicotinic receptor.
Gastrointestinal effects appear after 30 minutes of oral administration, being necessary 60 to 90 minutes to achieve maximum action, the duration of the effect ranges from about an hour.
The use of the subcutaneous route generates muscarinic symptoms in a period of 15 to 20 minutes, reaches the peak of effectiveness in approximately 30 minutes and the action is maintained for about two hours.
Its use
Betanechol is used to relieve urination problems caused by surgery, medications, or other factors.
This medicine can also be prescribed for other uses.
To consider
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly can help decrease this problem.
Betanechol solution is for subcutaneous use only.
In urinary retention, the lack of relaxation of the sphincter can cause reflux through the ureters towards the kidney, which, in cases of bacteriuria, is the cause of infection. It is advisable to take the tablets an hour before or two after meals to avoid nausea or vomiting.
Situations such as dizziness or weakness generally appear when getting up from the decubitus
Some effects
Although the side effects of this medicine are not common, they could occur:
- Stomach ache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sweating or hot flashes
If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Fainting
- Slower heart rate than usual (less than 50 beats per minute)
Secondary
- Local effects: blushing that generates a sensation of heat, perception of heat around the face, sweating.
- Neurological effects: headache.
- Effects on the sense organs: miosis, lacrimation.
- Respiratory effects: bronchial constriction , asthmatic attacks.
- Cardiovascular effects: hypotension with reflex tachycardia, vasomotor response.
- Gastrointestinal effects: abdominal contracture or discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, belching, rumbling, salivation, cramping pain.
- Renal effects: urinary urgency.
- Other effects: general malaise.
Interactions with other medications
Drugs with ganglion blocking capacity associated with betanechol can cause severe decreases in blood pressure, which initially manifest with severe abdominal symptoms.
Signs of overdose
The main symptoms related to overdose refer to abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating and redness of the skin.
Antidote
The antidote is atropine . In adults, a 0.6 mg dose is administered, which is repeated every two hours according to the clinical response. Children require 0.01 mg / kg at similar intervals to achieve expected results. For both cases, the route of choice is subcutaneous, except in emergency situations, in which intravenous therapy is required.