Solifenacin is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder (bladder function disorder that causes a sudden or frequent urge to urinate) in adults and to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity (a condition in which involuntary bladder contractions happen due to an inborn condition or injury to the nerves that control the bladder) in children and adolescents.
This medicine calms and relaxes the bladder. It reduces the number of toilet visits and the urge to urinate.
Take Solifenacin 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.
Solifenacin is available as a tablet, orodispersible tablet, or oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet, place it directly on your tongue as soon as you have taken it out of the foil or blister, then suck on the tablet until it is completely broken up into small pieces. It can then be swallowed with or without water. Do not cut, break, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) provided to measure your dose. Drink liquid (water or milk) after each dose. Avoid taking the oral suspension at the same time with food and/or other drinks as you may experience a bitter taste and feeling of numbness in your mouth.
The dose of Solifenacin will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Discuss with your doctor on how you should manage your treatment if you miss a dose as different brands and preparations may have different instructions for missed doses.
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:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- severe stomach or bowel problems e.g. slow or delayed emptying in the stomach, toxic megacolon (a complication of bowel disease)
- severe liver disease
- undergoing kidney dialysis
as Solifenacin may not be suitable for you.
If you are being treated for overactive bladder, do not take this medicine if you have inability to pass out water or completely empty your bladder when urinating.
If you have severe kidney disease or moderate liver disease, do not take Solifenacin with medicines that may decrease the removal of this medicine from the body. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- being treated for glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- nerve damage
- Alzheimer's disease (a progressive disease which destroys memory and other important mental functions)
- heart disease e.g. irregular heartbeat, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- stomach or bowel problems e.g. reflux disease (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), obstruction in the digestive system
- severe kidney disease
- moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Solifenacin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Solifenacin 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.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Solifenacin may cause blurred vision or drowsiness. 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 may include any of the following: tiredness, headache, dry mouth, throat, nose, eyes, or skin, nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, changes in taste, and difficulty in passing urine.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, hives, severe itching, breathlessness
- swelling of the mouth, face, or tongue
- fast or abnormal heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Solifenacin.
If you have severe kidney disease or moderate liver disease, do not take this medicine with any of the medicines listed above. You may discuss with your doctor which medicines you should avoid while being treated with Solifenacin.
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 (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Store the oral suspension in the original package to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
The suspension should be used within 30 days after opening.
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