Use of Bethanechol, 50 mg/BID, for a Failed Decatheterization Test: A Position Statement

Abstract

If urinary catheters are used during surgeries, epidurals and parturition, patients and their physicians want a return to volitional voiding as soon as possible. Micturition is regained by passing a decatheterization test. Fortunately, only a small percentage of patients fail three or more of these tests and have to use catheters longer-term. Surprisingly, there are no approved drugs that are currently approved to assist with these tests; however, bethanechol, 50 mg/BID, should be considered further for this application. The drug is a bladder wall receptor stimulant and, at this moderate dosage, it is reasonable to expect it to help with decatheterization tests. This position statement includes several designs for future bethanechol use and research. In addition, an International Neuro-Urological Research Group is introduced that is promoting this drug.