Darifenacin is a drug to relieve complaints of not being able to hold urine (urinary incontinence) or frequent urination due to an overactive bladder . This drug is available in the form of regular tablets and slow-release tablets.
Darifenacin works by reducing urinary tract and bladder muscle stiffness. Darifenacin belongs to the class of antispasmodic drugs. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
Trademarks of fenacin: -
What is Darifenacin
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antispasmodic |
| Benefit | Relieves urinary incontinence. |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Darifenacin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether darifenacin is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, slow release tablets |
Precautions Before Taking Darifenacin
There are several things to consider before taking Darifenacin, including:
- Do not take darifenacin if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have urinary retention , narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis , severe ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon, or liver failure. Darifenacin should not be used by patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from liver disease or urinary tract disorders.
- Avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight while on treatment with darifenacin, as this drug can reduce your ability to sweat, which can lead to heatstroke .
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking darifenacin, because this drug can cause dizziness and blurred vision.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose after taking darifenacin.
Darifenacin Dosage and Instructions
Darifenacin is generally available in the form of 7.5 mg and 15 mg tablets. The doctor will determine the dosage based on the medical condition and the patient's response to treatment.
In general, the dose of darifenacin for adults is 7.5 mg, consumed once a day. Dosage can be increased to 15 mg, taken once a day, after 2 weeks of treatment.
How to use Darifenacin correctly
Always follow the doctor 's instructions and read the instructions on the darifenacin packaging before consuming it. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug for longer than the time recommended by the doctor.
Darifenacin can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, split or crush the tablets as this may increase your risk of side effects.
Take darifenacin at the same time every day for maximum benefits. If you forget to take this drug, it is recommended to wait until the next scheduled consumption. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Store darifenacin tablets in a closed container in a cool place. Protect this medication from direct sunlight and keep it out of reach of children.
Darifenacin Interactions with Other Drugs
Interaction effects that can occur if Darifenacin is taken together with certain drugs are:
- Increased risk of recurrence of inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) when used with oral bisphosphonates.
- Increased risk of heatstroke if used with topiramate or zonisamide
- Increased risk of side effects when used with other antimuscarinic drug classes, eg oxybutynin, tolterodine, or flavoxate
- Enhanced drug effect of phenacin when used with ketoconazole , itraconazole, ciclosporin , or verapamil
In addition, the effects of darifenacin in the body can be increased if consumed with grapefruit .
Darifenacin Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may appear after taking Darifenacin are:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Constipation
- Nauseous
- Stomach ache
- Dizziness or headache
- Weak
- Blurred vision
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects occur, such as:
- Constipation or severe stomach pain
- Difficulty/unable to urinate (urinary retention)
- Kidney infection, which can be characterized by symptoms of pain when urinating, fever, or bloody urine
- Mood and mental changes, such as confusion or hallucinations