Bethanechol

Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with bethanechol chloride. It is also not known whether bethanechol chloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Bethanechol chloride should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether this drug is secreted in human milk. Because many drugs are secreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from bethanechol chloride in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the effects upon fertility, mutagenic or carcinogenic potential of bethanechol chloride.

Adverse reactions are rare following oral administration of bethanechol chloride, 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 chloride has not been established:

Body as a Whole: malaise

Nervous System: seizures