Darifenacin is used to treat an overactive bladder (a disorder that causes a sudden or frequent urge to urinate).
This medicine calms and relaxes the bladder. It reduces the number of toilet visits and the urge to urinate.
Take Darifenacin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Darifenacin is available as an extended-release or as prolonged-release tablets.
If you are taking either the extended-release or prolonged-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "ER" or "PR"), swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Darifenacin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating)
- gastric retention (a problem in emptying the contents of the stomach)
- uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes)
- myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- severe ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- toxic megacolon (widening of the large intestines caused by complications of infection or inflammation)
- severe liver disease
as Darifenacin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Darifenacin with medicines used to treat fungal infections, certain medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders, and certain medicines for heart disease. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- autonomic neuropathy (damage of nerves that regulates vital body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and bladder activities)
- hiatus hernia (a condition when part of the stomach extends through the diaphragm)
- controlled or receiving treatment for narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes)
- pre-existing heart disease
- heartburn or reflux disease (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth)
- decreased bowel motility e.g. severe constipation
- obstructive bowel problems e.g. pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the stomach outlet)
- obstruction in bladder flow causing difficulty in passing urine or a weak stream of urine
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Darifenacin may reduce sweating and may make your body temperature rise. Discuss with your doctor if you frequently need to exercise, participate in any activity, or work in a hot environment.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine test (e.g. liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Monitoring for signs and symptoms of brain effects (e.g. confusion, headache) and visual effects (e.g. blurred vision, dry eyes) may also be needed.
Darifenacin may cause dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, altered taste, mouth ulceration, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, difficulty sleeping, weakness, swelling of the ankles, feet or hand, and dryness of the skin, eyes or nose.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking Darifenacin and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Darifenacin with the following medicines:
- medicines used to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- verapamil (medicine for heart disease)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir
- other medicines to treat overactive bladder e.g. tolterodine, oxybutynin, flavoxate
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin, quinidine, flecainide
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat depression e.g. imipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, nefazodone
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. thioridazine, duloxetine
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicines for osteoporosis e.g. alendronic acid, ibandronic acid
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Darifenacin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.