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Solifenacin

Information about Solifenacin

Solifenacin Uses

Solifenacin is used in the treatment of Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. OAB is a collection of urinary symptoms, including frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination.

How Solifenacin works

Solifenacin is an antimuscarinic. It works by relaxing muscles of the urinary bladder to prevent frequent, urgent or uncontrolled urination.

Common side effects of Solifenacin

Dryness in mouth, Nausea1a, Constipation, Indigestion, Blurred vision, Upset stomach, Dry eye, Urinary retention

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

27 Nov 2020 | 07:52 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Solifenacin

Expert advice for Solifenacin

Solifenacin helps you to have better control over your urination by relaxing your bladder which increases its capacity to hold urine, thereby reducing the need to pass urine.
It may cause blurred vision, fatigue and sleepiness. Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires focus.
It may cause dry mouth. Try chewing on sugar-free gum or taking small sips of water.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol or carbonated drinks as they can worsen your symptoms.
Do not stop taking this medicine if you do not notice an improvement in your symptoms as it may take some time for your bladder to adapt and your symptoms to improve.

Frequently asked questions for Solifenacin

Solifenacin

Q. When should Solifenacin be taken?

Solifenacin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Generally, it is recommended that the medicine should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time. It can be taken with or without food.

Q. Does Solifenacin cause dementia?

In rare cases, Solifenacin may cause confusion and hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist) as side effects. It may also cause delirium in very few people (disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence). Though there are studies which support that Solifenacin may cause dementia, it is still to be confirmed.

Q. What is overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder is a condition where the nerve signals coming from the brain directs your bladder to empty even when it is not full. Consequently, this may affect a person’s ability to control bladder contractions. Rapid uncontrollable contractions cause symptoms of overactive bladder which are urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and urinary incontinence (leakage).

Q. Do I need to take Solifenacin everyday?

Yes, Solifenacin needs to be taken once daily as advised by your doctor. You should not take it only when the symptoms are bothersome as it will not work properly. Furthermore, if you forget to take a dose, continue taking it next day as per the prescribed schedule. Additionally, it is advised to not take 2 doses on the same day.

Q. Does Solifenacin start working right away?

Solifenacin may start showing improvement in symptoms of overactive bladder within a week. However, it may take up to 4 weeks to show maximum benefits. This may vary from person to person. Do not stop taking it even if considerable improvement is not observed, but consult with the doctor.

Q. Can Solifenacin be taken by anyone?

Solifenacin is to be prescribed by the doctor only. This medicine is meant for adults. Its consumption should be avoided by patients who are allergic to Solifenacin, who are unable to empty their bladder (urinary retention), have delayed or slow emptying of the stomach (gastric obstruction), or have increased pressure in eyes with vision problems (narrow angle glaucoma).

Q. What should I avoid while on Solifenacin?

You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience drowsiness or blurred vision while taking Solifenacin, as it can be dangerous.