Uses
Solifenacin (VESIcare) is used to treat overactive bladder (a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably and cause frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination). Solifenacin (VESIcare LS) is used to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity (a bladder control condition caused by brain, spinal cord or nerve problem) in children 2 years of age and older. Solifenacin is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles.
Side Effects Of Solifenacin
Solifenacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth
- constipation
- stomach pain
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- heartburn
- dry eyes
- blurred vision
- dry skin
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- constipation that lasts longer than 3 days
- painful or frequent urination
- bloody or cloudy urine
- back pain
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- rash
- hives
- itching
- hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- confusion
- headache
- extreme tiredness
Solifenacin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking solifenacin:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to solifenacin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in solifenacin tablets or oral suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Nexterone, Pacerone); clarithromycin; disopyramide (Norpace); dofetilide (Tikosyn); erythromycin (E.E.S., ERYC, Erythrocin); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, in Viekira), and saquinavir (Invirase); itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole, nefazodone; pimozide; procainamide; quinidine (in Neudexta); sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize); and thioridazine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with solifenacin, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had narrow-angle glaucoma (a serious eye condition that may cause vision loss), urinary retention (inability to empty your bladder completely or at all), or gastric retention (slow emptying of your stomach). Your doctor may tell you not to take solifenacin.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause irregular heartbeat, fainting, or sudden death), any type of blockage in the bladder or digestive system, myasthenia gravis (a disorder of the nervous system that causes muscle weakness), ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum), benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the prostate, a male reproductive organ), constipation; or liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking solifenacin, call your doctor.
- you should know that solifenacin may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- you should know that solifenacin may make it harder for your body to cool down when it gets very hot. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, and call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you have a fever or other signs of heatstroke such as dizziness, upset stomach, headache, confusion, and fast pulse after you are exposed to heat.
Dosage Of Solifenacin
Solifenacin comes as a tablet (VESIcare) and a suspension (liquid; VESIcare LS) to take by mouth. Solifenacin tablets are usually taken once a day with or without food. Solifenacin suspension (VESIcare LS) is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take solifenacin, take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take solifenacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use an oral dosing syringe to measure the correct amount of medication. You can swallow the suspension straight from the syringe followed by a small glass of water or milk. To avoid a bitter taste, avoid taking the suspension with another liquid or food.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Swallow the tablets with water or another liquid.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of solifenacin and increase your dose later in your treatment.
Solifenacin may help to control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to take solifenacin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking solifenacin without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
