Bethanechol (be-Than-e-kol. Its chemical structure is 2-((aminocarbonyl)oxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium. Unlike acetylcholine, bethanechol is not hydrolyzed by cholinesterase and will therefore have a long duration of action.

Bethanechol is sometimes givenand gastrointestinal tract stimulate contraction of the bladder and expulsion of urine, and increased gastrointestinal motility, respectively. Bethanechol should be used to treat these disorders only after obstruction is ruled out as a possible cause.

Use of bethanechol, as well as all other muscarinic receptor agonists, is contraindicated in patients with asthma, coronary insufficiency, peptic ulcers, and incontinence. The parasympathomimetic action of this drug will exacerbate the symptoms of these disorders.

Bethanechol is sold under the brand names Duvoid (Roberts), Myotonachol (Glenwood), and Urecholine (Merck Frosst).