Duvoid

Duvoid is a prescription medication used to relieve difficulties in urinating caused by surgery or other factors. Duvoid belongs to a group of drugs called cholinergic agents, which help muscles work to empty urine from the bladder.

This medication comes in tablet form and is taken 3 or 4 times a day, on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Common side effects of Duvoid include general discomfort, upset stomach, and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Duvoid affects you.
 

Duvoid is part of the drug class:

• Choline esters

Bethanechol stimulates your bladder to empty.

Bethanechol is used to treat urinary retention (difficulty urinating), which may occur after surgery, after delivering a baby, and in other situations.

Bethanechol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take bethanechol on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Bethanechol may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to avoid becoming dizzy, falling, or hurting yourself.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Bethanechol may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid);

• have stomach ulcers;

• have asthma;

• have recently had bladder or intestinal surgery;

• have a blockage in your intestinal tract;

• have a slow heart rate or low blood pressure;

• have a disease or blockage of the arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease);

• have epilepsy or any other seizure disorder; or

• have Parkinson's disease.

You may not be able to take bethanechol, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Bethanechol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether bethanechol will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether bethanechol passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take bethanechol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take bethanechol on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Store bethanechol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a bethanechol overdose include abdominal discomfort, increased salivation or watering mouth, flushing or hot feeling of the skin, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking bethanechol and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in your chest.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bethanechol and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness or drowsiness;

• headache;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort;

• slow heartbeats followed by fast heartbeats;

• flushing or warmth about the face;

• sweating; or

• tearing eyes.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.