Solifenacin

Molecule Description

Solifenacin belongs to the group of anticholinergics. These medicines are used

to reduce the activity of an overactive bladder. It helps to ease off urinary urgency and frequency.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Solifenacin

It is used to treat overactive bladder. By relaxing the muscles in the bladder, it improves your ability to control your urination.

Contraindications of Solifenacin

When should one not use Solifenacin

Urinary retention (inability to pass water or to empty your bladder completely)
Increased pressure in the eyes (narrow-angle glaucoma)
Allergy to Solifenacin
Gastric retention
Severe liver and kidney disease or undergoing dialysis
Muscle degenerative disorders like myasthenia
Stomach or digestive system blockages

Side effects of Solifenacin

Common side effects of this drug are:

Blurred vision
Constipation
Nausea
Indigestion with symptoms such as abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, burping, heartburn (dyspepsia), stomach discomfort
Urinary tract infection or bladder infection
Sleepiness
Impaired sense of taste (dysgeusia)
Dry or irritated eyes
Difficulty in passing urine
Hallucinations, confusion (rarely)

Precautions and Warnings of Solifenacin

Pregnancy

Can I take Solifenacin during pregnancy?

It is not considered safe to be used by pregnant women. A consultation with the doctor is advisable before starting the medication.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Solifenacin while breastfeeding?

The use of this medicine is not recommended during breastfeeding. If used, close monitoring of the infant is advised during the time of treatment.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Solifenacin?

It is not recommended that you drive or partake in activities that require concentration as the medicine is known to cause extreme tiredness and dizziness.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Solifenacin?

The interaction with alcohol is unknown, and a consultation with the doctor is recommended.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have trouble emptying your bladder or have difficulty in passing urine (e.g. a thin urine flow)
You have some obstruction of the digestive system (constipation)
You have some neurological disorder
Below 18 years of age

Mode of Action of Solifenacin

How Does It Work?

Solifenacin relaxes the bladder and helps the bladder retain more fluid by reducing the smooth muscle tone. Solifenacin improves your ability to control your urination. It helps to reduce leaking of u...

Interactions of Solifenacin

Interactions with other medicines

Anticholinergic medicines, as they can reduce the effect of Solifenacin
Medicines like Metoclopramide and Cisapride (Solifenacin can reduce its effectiveness)
Medicines like Ketoconazole, Ritonavir, Nelfinavir, Itraconazole, Verapamil and Diltiazem (decrease the activity of Solifenacin)
Medicines like Rifampicin, Phenytoin and Carbamazepine (it may affect the rate at Solifenacin)

Interactions with food items

No information is available on interactions of Solifenacin when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

Dosage of Solifenacin

Overdose

If you had an extra dose of this medicine and you experience any severe reaction, talk to your doctor immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you miss a dose, follow the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does Solifenacin last?

A: The effect of this medication lasts nearly 24 hours after taking it.

Q: What is the taste of the medicine?

A: The medicine comes in a tablet form, is soluble and quite bitter in taste. It is always advised that one should take this medicine with a full glass of water to mask the bitter taste.

Q: If I have glaucoma, can I take Solifenacin?

A: No. The medicine often blurs your vision and makes you dizzy. If you happen to have narrow-angle glaucoma, you should not take this medicine.

Q: What is the common name of Solifenacin?

A: Solifenacin Succinate is commonly known as Vesicare and is also available in the market under the same name.

References

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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