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Solifenacin tablets

What are Solifenacin tablets?

SOLIFENACIN (Vesicare®) helps to control an overactive bladder, a chronic condition that can be improved with medication. Solifenacin may reduce the frequency of bathroom visits and may help to control wetting accidents. Generic solifenacin tablets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Solifenacin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • difficulty passing urine

  • glaucoma

  • intestinal obstruction

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • stomach problems like pyloric stenosis or reflux, or other problems with proper emptying of the contents of the stomach

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to solifenacin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take solifenacin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Solifenacin can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose on the regular schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Solifenacin?

  • alcohol-containing beverages

  • atropine

  • bosentan

  • caffeine

  • cisapride

  • clarithromycin

  • clozapine

  • diltiazem

  • erythromycin

  • fluvoxamine

  • grapefruit juice

  • medicines for fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole

  • medicines for treating HIV infection or AIDS

  • metoclopramide

  • nefazodone

  • omeprazole

  • oxybutynin

  • quinidine

  • quinine

  • scopolamine

  • tegaserod

  • troleandomycin

  • verapamil

  • water pills (diuretics)

  • zafirlukast

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Solifenacin?

It may take 2 or 3 months to notice the maximum benefit from this medication. Your health care professional may also recommend techniques that may help improve control of your bladder and sphincter muscles. Such techniques will help train you to need the bathroom less frequently.

You may need to limit your intake tea, coffee, caffeinated sodas, and alcohol; these drinks may aggravate your symptoms. Keeping healthy bowel habits may lessen bladder symptoms. If you currently smoke, quitting smoking may help reduce irritation to the bladder muscle.

You may get dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how solifenacin affects you.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water, will help.

Solifenacin may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Solifenacin?

Serious side effects are not common. Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:

  • blurred vision or difficulty focusing vision

  • confusion

  • difficulty passing urine

  • palpitations

  • severe dizziness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • dry eyes

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • mild dizziness or drowsiness

  • upset stomach

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Publication Source: U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert
Date Last Modified: 9/18/2006