Solifenacin Succinate
Brand Name: Vesicare
Generic Available
Common Dosage Forms:
Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg
FDA Indications/Dosages:
For the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency: The recommended starting dose is 5 mg once daily. If the 5 mg dose is tolerated, the dose may be increased to 10 mg once daily. Take with liquids and swallow whole. May be taken without regard to food.
Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Solifenacin is a competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist. Muscarinic receptors are involved in the contraction of urinary bladder smooth muscle and stimulation of salivary secretion. Solifenacin is metabolized in the liver primarily by CYP3A4 enzymes. Excretion occurs in the urine (70%) and the feces (30%). The elimination half-life of solifenacin following chronic dosing is approximately 45-68 hours.
Drug Interactions: Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir, clarithromycin, and nefazodone may decrease hepatic metabolism of solifenacin.
Contraindications/Precautions Contraindicated in patients with urinary retention, gastric retention, or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, and in patients who are at risk of these conditions. Use with cause in patients with bladder outflow obstruction, gastrointestinal obstructive disorders, decreased GI motility, ulcerative colitis, myasthenia gravis, controlled narrow-angle glaucoma, or any level of hepatic or renal impairment. Solifenacin may be excreted into breast milk therefore use caution in nursing mothers. Use with caution in patients with known QT prolongation and in those who are taking medications known to prolong the QT interval. Rare cases of angioedema have been reported. Pregnancy Category C.
Adverse Effects: Adverse effects are usually mild and transient and include, in order of occurrence: dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary tract infection, dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, dry eyes, and drowsiness.
Patient Consultation:
Avoid prolonged exposure to hot weather.
May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use care when operating machinery or when mental alertness is required.
May be taken with or without food.
Swallow tablets whole; do not chew, divide, or crush.
May cause dry mouth or blurred vision.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.
Contact a physician if the above side effects are severe or persistent.
If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.