Darifenacin

Generic name: darifenacin [ dar-e-FEN-a-sin ]
Brand name: Enablex
Dosage form: oral tablet, extended release (15 mg; 7.5 mg)
Drug class: Urinary antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is darifenacin?

Darifenacin reduces muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.

Darifenacin is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination, and incontinence (urine leakage).

Darifenacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Darifenacin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Darifenacin may cause serious side effects. Stop using darifenacin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain or constipation;

• confusion, hallucinations;

• little or no urinating;

• pain or burning when you urinate; or

• signs of dehydration--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects of darifenacin may include:

• nausea, indigestion;

• constipation;

• headache, dizziness;

• dry mouth; or

• blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not take darifenacin if you are have untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach disorder causing delayed emptying, or if you have trouble emptying your bladder.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take darifenacin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;

• a stomach disorder causing delayed emptying; or

• if you have trouble emptying your bladder.

To make sure darifenacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• glaucoma;

• liver disease;

• ulcerative colitis;

• a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis; or

• if you have very little urine or a weak stream of urine.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether darifenacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using darifenacin.

It is not known whether darifenacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take darifenacin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medicine with water.

Darifenacin can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Darifenacin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Incontinence:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: The dosage may be increased to 15 mg orally once a day as early as 2 weeks after starting therapy

Comments:
-This drug may be taken with or without food.
-The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not chewed, divided, or crushed.

Use: For the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Frequency:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: The dosage may be increased to 15 mg orally once a day as early as 2 weeks after starting therapy

Comments:
-This drug may be taken with or without food.
-The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not chewed, divided, or crushed.

Use: For the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency

Related/similar drugs

Gemtesa, estradiol, oxybutynin, Botox, Myrbetriq, mirabegron, solifenacin, tolterodine, trospium, Detrol

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause vision problems.

What should I avoid while taking darifenacin?

darifenacin may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

What other drugs will affect darifenacin?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with darifenacin, especially:

• clarithromycin;

• flecainide;

• thioridazine;

• an antidepressant--amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nefazodone, nortriptyline;

• antifungal medicine--itraconazole, ketoconazole; or

• HIV or AIDS medicine--nelfinavir, ritonavir.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with darifenacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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