Bethanechol Chloride (Urecholine) for Pets in 2025: Vet Guide to Bladder & GI Support 🐶🐱🫁

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Updated July 2025

💡 Bethanechol chloride (branded as Urecholine or Myocholine) remains a key treatment for pets with urinary retention, bladder weakness, esophageal motility issues, and post-obstruction recovery. As of 2025, this muscarinic agonist continues to be used safely under veterinary supervision—this guide covers how it works, its benefits, side effects, and essential precautions.

🔬 How Bethanechol Works

• Stimulates muscarinic cholinergic receptors in smooth muscle of the bladder, urinary sphincter, GI tract, and esophagus.
• Enhances detrusor (bladder wall) contractions → improved bladder emptying.
• Can boost esophageal motility and sphincter tone—helpful for conditions like megaesophagus.

📌 Common Uses in 2025

• Post-obstruction detrusor atony after prolonged urinary blockage.
• Neurologic bladder dysfunction (spinal cord disorders, UMN/LMN lesions).
• Esophageal hypomotility or megaesophagus.
• Post-surgical urinary retention.

⚙️ Administration Details

• Tablets available: 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg.
• Administered orally, usually 2–3 times daily per veterinary direction.
• May be given with food to reduce GI upset.
• If a dose is missed, give when remembered—do not double dose.

⚠️ Potential Side Effects

• GI upset: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased intestinal motility.
• Excess salivation/tearing due to cholinergic stimulation.
• Urinary frequency: reduced bladder capacity causes more frequent urination.
• Overdose may worsen GI and urinary signs; atropine serves as antidote.

🚨 Interactions & Special Cautions

• Requires open urethra: do not use if mechanical obstruction exists.
• Avoid if bladder or GI wall integrity is compromised (e.g., rupture, ulcers, surgery).
• Consider relaxants (diazepam, phenoxybenzamine) if sphincter tone is high.
• Contraindicated in GI ulcers, uncontrolled asthma, epilepsy, hyperthyroidism, hypotension, heart arrhythmias.

📋 Vet & Owner Checklist

• ✓ Diagnosis confirmed for detrusor underactivity or esophageal motility issue.
• ✓ Rule out obstruction, leakage, or tissue integrity damage before use.
• ✓ Dose as advised; monitor for urinary frequency, GI signs, drooling.
• ✓ Have atropine available as reversal if overdose occurs.
• ✓ Regular vet reassessment to adjust or discontinue appropriately.

📲 Ask A Vet App Support

The Ask A Vet app helps you manage bethanechol therapy effectively:

• 📅 Medication reminders to maintain consistent dosing.
• 🐾 Symptom tracker for urinary and GI effects, helping catch side effects early.
• ⚠️ Safety alerts for signs like diarrhea, appetite changes, or increased drooling.
• 📋 Education modules on safe use and when to consult your veterinarian.

➡️ Download for vet-backed dosing guidance every day—supporting your pet’s smooth recovery.

✅ Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

• Bethanechol chloride remains a valuable tool for urinary retention and esophageal motility disorders.
• Side effects are common but manageable when monitored. Overdose reversal is straightforward with atropine.
• Never use if physical obstruction or GI/bladder integrity is compromised.
• As always, this drug should be used only under veterinary guidance and with frequent follow‑up.

🐾🩺 With careful use, bethanechol in 2025 continues to improve bladder emptying and GI motility for many pets. Incorporating tools like Ask A Vet ensures optimal safety and outcomes.