ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/bethanechol
US brand names:Urecholine, Myotonachol
Bethanechol is dosed at 2.5–15 mg per dog PO q8h in dogs, per Holahan ML. Feeding the vomiting patient. Paper presented at: International Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Symposium; 2015; Washington, DC.; Gaschen F. Canine esophageal diseases - why they should not be forgotten. Paper presented at: Pacific Veterinary Conference; 2016; San Francisco, CA. PMID: 957774 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.158 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Selective muscarinic M3 receptor agonist stimulating detrusor muscle contraction. Increases bladder tone and facilitates voiding.
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 references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
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.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 2.5–15 mg per dog | q8h | Moderate | Holahan ML. Feeding the vomiting patient. Paper presented at: International Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Symposium; 2015; Washington, DC.; Gaschen F. Canine esophageal diseases - why they should not be forgotten. Paper presented at: Pacific Veterinary Conference; 2016; San Francisco, CA. PMID: 957774 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.158 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1.25–7.5 mg per cat | q8h | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.159 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.