Solifenacin is used to treat an overactive bladder. By
relaxing the muscles in the bladder, solifenacin improves your ability to
control your urination. It helps to reduce leaking of urine, feelings of
needing to urinate right away, and frequent trips to the bathroom. This
medication belongs to the class of drugs known as
antispasmodics.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using solifenacin and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Take it with a full glass of
liquid. Swallow the tablet whole because the powder in the tablet has a
bitter taste.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
shake the bottle well before taking each dose. Carefully measure the dose
using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon
because you may not get the correct dose. After taking your dose, drink a
glass of water or milk. Avoid taking the liquid form with food or other
drinks, as this may cause a bitter taste.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Children's dosage is
also based on weight. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all
the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs,
and herbal products).
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, stomach upset,
blurred vision, dry eyes, headache, or unusual tiredness/weakness may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice
chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva
substitute.
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough
water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your
pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
- constipation for 3 or more days
- difficulty urinating
- signs of kidney infection (such as burning/painful/frequent
urination, fever, pink/bloody urine)
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling/redness
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking solifenacin, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- difficulty urinating (urinary retention)
- other bladder problems (such as blockage)
- stomach/intestinal blockage (gastric retention)
- personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure
type)
- liver disease
- bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis)
- slowed movement of stomach/intestines
- constipation
- kidney disease
- enlarged prostate
- a certain muscle/nerve disease (myasthenia gravis)
This drug may make you drowsy or blur your vision.
Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you
can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are
using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication may make you sweat less, making you more
likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to
overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs.
When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you
overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help
right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes,
headache, or dizziness.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble
urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of
falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- pramlintide
- potassium tablets/capsules
Other medications can affect the removal of solifenacin
from your body, which may affect how solifenacin works. Examples include
certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole),
mifepristone, among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include
fast/irregular heartbeat, agitation.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is more than 12 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time on the next day. Do not double the dose
to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Store the liquid form in the original bottle
and discard 28 days after opening. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.