Flavoxate Hydrochloride

Flavoxate Hydrochloride is used to treat and prevent muscle spasms of the urinary tract (the urine passing tube). It relaxes the muscles of the urinary tract to relieve symptoms like painful urination, excessive urination at night and the inability to control urine flow.

Flavoxate is a spasmolytic flavone derivative that acts by relaxing the smooth muscle in the urinary tract. Flavoxate is a competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency.

• Cystitis: Used for symptomatic relief of dysuria, urgency, frequency and incontinence due to bladder infection.
• Prostatitis: Used for symptomatic relief of urinary symptoms due to prostate inflammation.
• Urethritis and Urethrocystitis: Used for symptomatic relief of inflammation of urethra and bladder.

BPH/ Urinary retention/ Urinary incontinence

Anti-spasmodic (Muscarinic Receptor Antagonist)

Flavoxate is a spasmolytic flavone derivative that acts by relaxing the smooth muscle in the urinary tract. Flavoxate acts as a direct antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in cholinergically innervated organs. Its anticholinergic-parasympatholytic action reduces the tonus of smooth muscle in the bladder.

Flavoxate blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors to relax bladder smooth muscle and reduce urinary frequency and urgency.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Overactive Bladder/Dysuria: 100-200 mg PO q6-8hr (3-4 times daily).
• Dosage may be reduced as symptoms improve.

Child Dose (>=12 years):

• 100-200 mg PO q6-8hr (3-4 times daily).

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Flavoxate Hydrochloride is to be taken with food.

If you miss a dose of Flavoxate Hydrochloride, take it as soon as possible; however, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth and throat
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• Constipation (at higher doses)

Precautions:

• Flavoxate Hydrochloride may cause drowsiness, blurred vision or vertigo which may affect driving ability.
• Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol or carbonated drinks as they can worsen symptoms.
• Dry mouth may occur; chewing sugarless gum and drinking plenty of water may help.
• Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma.
• Use with caution in patients with suspected glaucoma.

Contraindications:

• Pyloric or duodenal obstruction
• Obstructive intestinal lesions or ileus
• Achalasia
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Obstructive uropathies of the lower urinary tract
• Myasthenia gravis
• Severe ulcerative colitis
• Toxic megacolon
• Glaucoma
• Children <12 years

Drug Interactions:

• Amantadine, some antihistamines, phenothiazine antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs: May interact.
• Parasympathomimetics: May antagonize effects.
• Cisapride, domperidone, metoclopramide: May antagonize GI effects.

Food Interactions: Flavoxate Hydrochloride may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

Use in Pregnancy: Flavoxate Hydrochloride is generally considered safe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects.

Use in Lactation: Flavoxate Hydrochloride is probably safe during breastfeeding; limited data suggests no significant risk to the baby.

Pediatric Use: Contraindicated in children under 12 years; >=12 years: 100-200 mg q6-8hr.

Geriatric Use: Use with caution in elderly patients.

Renal Impairment: Limited information available; consult your doctor.

Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available; consult your doctor.

Overdose: Symptoms of overdose: unusually dry mouth, excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, blurred vision, dilated pupils, flushed and dry skin, muscle weakness, unusual dizziness or drowsiness, restlessness, disorientation and seizures.

Storage: Keep below 30 degree C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Flavoxate Hydrochloride