Flavoxate is a drug to treat complaints due to overactive bladder (OAB) or overactive bladder conditions, such as urinary incontinence, stomach cramps, or pain when urinating .
Flavoxate is an antispasmodic drug of the antimuscarinic class. This drug works by relaxing the muscles around the bladder and urinary tract. This drug is intended to relieve complaints or symptoms, but cannot cure infections or inflammation of the urinary tract.
Flavoxate trademarks: Urispas, Voxamed
What is Flavoxate
| class | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antimuscarinic or antispasmodic |
| Benefit | Relieves complaints due to overactive bladder (OAB) |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged ≥12 years |
| Flavoxate for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether floxate is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Consuming Flavoxate
Flavoxate should not be consumed carelessly. The use of this drug must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription. Some things to consider before consuming flavoxate are:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Flavoxate should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have intestinal obstruction , GI bleeding, or achalasia . Flavoxate should not be used by patients suffering from these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have glaucoma , heart disease, kidney disease , stomach or intestinal infection, GERD , ulcerative colitis, chronic constipation , enlarged prostate gland ( BPH ), hyperthyroidism, or muscle and nerve disorders, such as myasthenia gravis .
- Avoid being active for too long in direct sunlight while undergoing treatment with flavoxate, because this drug can reduce your ability to sweat so that it can trigger heatstroke .
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking flavoxate, because this drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- 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.
- Immediately consult a doctor if a drug allergic reaction appears , serious side effects, or an overdose after taking flavoxate.
Dosage and Rules for Use Flavoxate
The dose of flavoxate in adults and children aged ≥12 years is 100–200 mg, taken 3–4 times daily. The doctor will reduce the dose if the patient's symptoms improve.
How to Take Flavoxate Properly
Always follow the doctor 's instructions and read the instructions on the flavoxate 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 because this can increase the risk of side effects.
Flavoxate tablets can be taken before or after meals. To reduce the risk of stomach upset, take this drug with meals. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Take flavoxate at the same time every day for maximum benefits. If you forget to take this drug, do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Store flavoxate tablets in a closed container in a cool place. Protect this drug from direct sunlight and keep it out of reach of children.
Interactions of Flavoxate with Other Drugs
Interaction effects that can occur if flavoxate is consumed together with certain drugs are:
- Increased body temperature and decreased ability to sweat when used with zonisamide or topiramate .
- Increased risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, floating sensation, or difficulty concentrating, when used with sodium oxybate, KCl, alprazolam , baclofen, cetirizine , codeine, fluoxetine , or ketamine .
Side Effects and Dangers of Flavoxate
The side effects that may appear after consuming flavoxate are:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Constipation
- Dizziness, drowsiness, headache
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately go to the doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as chest pain , palpitations, confusion, eye pain, prolonged constipation, or nausea and vomiting that doesn't stop.