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Peds Calc

Scientific Understanding

How Bethanechol WorksMechanism of Action in Children

Bethanechol is a direct-acting parasympathomimetic that selectively stimulates muscarinic receptors in smooth muscle, restoring coordinated bladder emptying when detrusor tone is inadequate.

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3 Scientific Sources
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Understanding How Bethanechol Helps Your Child

Bethanechol is a quaternary ammonium choline ester that selectively activates muscarinic M2 and M3 receptors. By stimulating phospholipase C, it increases inositol trisphosphate and intracellular calcium in detrusor smooth muscle, producing bladder contractions without significant nicotinic or central nervous system activity.

Journey Through the Body

Elimination

Half-life

Not specified

Primary Route

Not specified

Special Considerations for Children

Scientific References

Bethanechol Chloride Tabletsโ€ขDailyMed (2024)guideline
Bethanecholโ€ขStatPearls Publishing (2025)expert consensus
Non-Neurogenic and Neurogenic Voiding Disorders in Childrenโ€ขAmerican Urological Association Clinical Consensus (2023)guideline