Urecholine

Urecholine is the brand name for bethanechol chloride, a medication that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system. It primarily acts on the muscarinic receptors, enhancing smooth muscle tone, particularly in the bladder and gastrointestinal tract. Bethanechol is typically used to treat urinary retention and certain types of digestive disorders by increasing muscle contractions. Bethanechol can cause a range of side effects, including excessive sweating, salivation, flushing, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and in some cases, more serious complications like bronchospasm or heart arrhythmias. These risks might outweigh any unproven benefits in children with autism. See the entry for Bethanechol in this same tool for more information.