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Bethanechol

Urecholine, Myotonachol

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Urinary

Routes

POSC

Indications

Detrusor atonyurinary retention

Mechanism of Action

Selective muscarinic M3 receptor agonist stimulating detrusor muscle contraction. Increases bladder tone and facilitates voiding.

Side effects & warnings

Do NOT use with urethral obstruction (bladder rupture risk). GI cramps, salivation, bradycardia. Give on empty stomach to reduce nausea. SC route preferred for acute urinary retention.

Species with Bethanechol dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Moderate×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published source

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)PO2.5–15 mg per dogq8hModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)PO1.25–7.5 mg per catq8hModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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