
What is Vesicare (Solifenacin)?
Solifenacin, also known as VESIcare, treats symptoms of an overactive bladder, which include incontinence, urgency, and frequency. This drug is also used off-label to help bladder conditions associated with neurologic disorders like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
How Vesicare Works
Solifenacin reduces spasms of the bladder muscles. Minimising the bladder’s muscle contractions decreases the feeling of urgency. Controlled bladder spasms help to prevent frequency and incontinence. Solifenacin is in a class of drugs called muscarinic receptor antagonists.
Storage, Dosage, How to use Vesicare
Use Vesicare once a day. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow whole with water.
When using the liquid form of Vesicare, begin by shaking the bottle vigorously before measuring the dose. Should too much medicine be accidentally withdrawn into the syringe, discard the extra amount. Do not return the unused medicine back into the bottle.
If not using the dosing syringe, use an accurate dose-measuring utensil or device. Do NOT rely on an unmarked spoon to pour the dose.
After taking the liquid form, follow with a glass of water or milk. Avoid food or anything other than water and milk to avoid the bitter aftertaste.
Store either form of Solifenacin, tablet or liquid, at room temperature with firmly closed lids. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture. Also, keep this medication out of reach of children. This drug is for adults only. Throw away what is left of the liquid form after 28 days.
Dosage for adult urinary frequency and incontinence:
- Initial dose: 5mg by mouth once a day
- Maintenance dose: 5-10mg once a day
Vesicare is also approved for neurogenic detrusor overactivity ( NDO) in the 2-18 age population group. The tablet formulation is not approved for this indication (only the oral suspension). Follow your physician’s instructions. Do NOT give to children without a prescription and care plan.
Side Effects
The most common side effect is dry mouth.
Other common side effects are:
- blurred vision
- constipation
- dry mouth, nose, and eyes
- painful urination
- constipation
- decreased perspiration
- dry skin
- dizziness
- tiredness
- nausea
- stomach discomfort
- heartburn/dyspepsia
- feeling hot
If you experience any of the following side effects, stop the medication and call the provider immediately:
- severe stomach pain
- constipation for greater than 3 days
- pain or burning when urinating
- little or no urination
- headache
- confusion
- drowsiness
- hallucinations
- vision changes
- eye pain
- seeing halos around lights
- dehydration symptoms
- dizziness
- increased thirst
- increased feeling of being hot
- hot skin
- tingling
- chest pain
- irregular heart rhythm
- loss of movement
- difficulty concentrating
Warnings & Precautions
WARNING: Vesicare is an anti-muscarinic agent, so this drug can impair driving. All anti-muscarinic substances can affect the performance of skilled activities and tasks.
WARNING: Do NOT use this drug if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Also, do NOT use this drug if you are unable to urinate or if you have a digestive tract blockage.
WARNING: Overdosage of Vesicare can potentially result in severe anticholinergic effects. Typical anticholinergic effects are dry mouth, constipation, difficulty concentrating, and loss of ability to urinate. Read the serious side effect profile of Vesicare above for further instructions.
Let your Prescribing Provider know if you have any of the following conditions:
- glaucoma
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- difficulty emptying the bladder
- weak stream of urine
- slow digestion
- a blockage in the stomach or intestine
- long QT syndrome
- pregnant or planning to be pregnant
Depending on your individual circumstances, the Provider can discuss whether this medication is a suitable option for you.
Interactions
Many drugs interact with Vesicare. Report all drugs, including over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products. These drugs, listed below, may interfere with how well Vesicare works, or they may cause potentially severe adverse effects. The Provider can talk to you about alternatives or whether there is a different medication that is a better fit for your circumstances.
Of the 89 drugs that cause major interactions, some of the more common include:
- amiodarone
- amprenavir
- arsenic trioxide
- atazanavir
- ceritinib
- chloroquine
- citalopram
- clarithromycin
- droperidol
- erythromycin
- haloperidol
- ketoconazole
- potassium citrate
- procainamide
Many (353) drugs have moderate interactions with Vesicare. Here are some of the more commonly used that interact with Vesicoare:
- azithromycin
- atropine
- albuterol
- acetylcholine ophthalmic
- belladonna
- bisacodyl
- butobarbital
- cascara sagrada
- castor oil
- cimetidine
- clomipramine
- chlorpromazine
- codeine
- cyclosporine
- ciprofloxacin
- dexamethasone
- doxepin
- diltiazem
- echinacea
- famotidine
- fluconazole
- flutamide
- fosphenytoin
- glycerin
- hyoscyamine
- hydrocodone
- guanidine
- imipramine
- imatinib
- lactulose
- levorphanol
- magnesium hydroxide
- metronidazole
- nortriptyline
- opium
- oxytocin
- senna
- somatropin
- tacrolimus
- thalidomide
- tramadol
- vasopressin
- verapamil
- zafirlukast
Lastly, there are 19 drugs that can have minor interactions with Vesicare. Some of these are:
- acetaminophen
- digoxin
- ipratropium nasal
- methyclothiazide
- nitrofurantoin
- nitroglycerin
- sulfamethoxazole
REMEMBER – The above is not a complete list of drug interactions. Discuss all drugs you routinely use with the Provider prescribing Vesicare.
Contraindications
KNOWN ALLERGY TO SOLIFENACIN
Review with the Provider any history of previous hypersensitive reactions to this drug or its ingredients.
UNTREATED NARROW-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
Any patient at risk for narrow-angle glaucoma or myasthenia gravis should NOT take Vesicare.
A STOMACH DISORDER THAT DELAYS EMPTYING
Severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as toxic megacolon, are contraindicated for this medication.
UNABLE TO URINATE OR KIDNEY DISEASE
Urinary retention is a condition that is exacerbated by using Vesicare. If you are at risk for or have urinary retention, this drug is not advised. Patients with severe kidney disease or who are undergoing hemodialysis should NOT take this drug.
SEVERE LIVER DISEASE
Vesicare relies on a strong, healthy liver to metabolize Vesicare. Severe liver dysfunction contraindicates the use of this medication. Discuss your liver condition with your Provider.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Very few pregnant or breastfeeding women have taken this medication. Animal reproduction studies have shown indirect harm to fetuses. Discuss the benefits versus risks with a Provider.
There are no published studies on the use of Vesicare in breastfeeding. However, the drug is excreted through the milk of animals studied. Because Vesicare has a long half-life, an alternate drug may be preferable when breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
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