Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Bethanechol chloride (brand names: Urecholine®, Duvoid®, Myotonachol®, Muscaran®, Myo Hermes®, Myocholine®, Myotonine®, Ucholine®, Urocarb®, Urotonine®) is used to increase bladder contractions when the bladder has been weakened or when the bladder cannot completely empty. It may also be effective in increasing the movement of the esophagus.
Its use in cats, dogs, or horses to increase urinary or intestinal movement/activity is off label (extra label). Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Bethanechol chloride may cause the following side effects:
In horses, side effects include:
Serious adverse reactions may occur. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving bethanechol chloride and contact your veterinarian immediately:
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
DO NOT USE this medication in pets that:
USE WITH CAUTION in pets that:
Several medications should be used with caution when given with bethanechol chloride, including:
Certain medications may interact with bethanechol chloride, so be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Apr 10, 2025.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Search Articles
Filter By Species
View All
2801 Keele St. Unit #101 Downsview, ON M3M 2G6
Phone: 416- 633-2255
Fax: 416-633-2305
E-Mail: downsviewveterinary@bellnet.ca
Monday: 8:00am-6:00pm Tuesday: 8:00am-6:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am-6:00pm Thursday: 8:00am-6:00pm Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-1:00pm Sunday/Long Weekends/Holidays: Closed
© 2025 Veterinarians Downsview Ontario | Downsview Veterinary Hospital. Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites