Vesicare (Solifenacin) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages - Verywell Health
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What Is Vesicare?
Vesicare (solifenacin) is a prescription drug used to treat a chronic condition called overactive bladder (OAB). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for use in people aged 2 years and older.
Solifenacin belongs to a class of medications called anticholinergics. It works by blocking specific receptors in your body, causing your bladder to relax. It reduces bladder spasms and the urge to frequently urinate.
Vesicare is available as an oral suspension and tablets.
Drug Facts
Generic Name: Solifenacin
Brand Name(s): Vesicare, Vesicare LS
Administration Route(s): Oral
Drug Availability: Prescription
Therapeutic Classification: Anticholinergic
Available Generically: Yes
Controlled Substance: N/A
Active Ingredient: Solifenacin
Dosage Form(s): Tablet, suspension
What Is Vesicare Used For?
The FDA approved Vesicare to treat OAB in adults with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency.
OAB occurs when the bladder muscles start to contract involuntarily, even when you don't have much urine in your bladder. These contractions cause a sudden urge to urinate and may lead to incontinence (involuntary loss of urine).
Vesicare also treats a bladder problem known as neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
How to Take Vesicare
Vesicare comes in two forms: tablet and oral suspension. Adults with overactive bladder will be prescribed the tablets, whereas the oral suspension formulation is indicated for children with NDO.
Tablet
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew. You can take your dose with or without food.
Oral Suspension
To take the oral suspension:
- Shake well before use.
- Measure your dose carefully with an oral measuring device or syringe. Ask your pharmacist for one if you do not have any.
- Drink water or milk after taking this medicine. Do not take it at the same time with food or liquid. It may cause a bitter taste in your mouth.
Even if you feel fine, continue to take this medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking Vesicare. It may increase the level of solifenacin in your system and cause negative side effects.
Storage
Store Vesicare at room temperature (68–77 degrees Fahrenheit) in a dry area. You may also store it during trips between cool and mildly hot temperatures (59–86 degrees). Do keep it in your bathroom.
Store the oral suspension in its original tight and light-resistant bottle. After 28 days, discard any unused liquid.
Keep it away from children and pets. Discard any unused or expired medicines. Do not toss or pour down a drain, toilet, or sink.
Consult your pharmacist if you have any questions about the best way to dispose of your medicine. You can also look for drug disposal programs in your area.
How Long Does Vesicare Take to Work?
In children, the oral suspension peaks in two to six hours. The oral tablet formulation peaks in three to eight hours in adults.
What Are the Side Effects of Vesicare?
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A medical professional can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.
Common Side Effects
Any drug may cause side effects. However, some people taking Vesicare may experience little or no adverse effects.
Common side effects of Vesicare can include:
These are only a few of the drug's possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider or get medical treatment if any side effects concern you or do not go away.
Severe Side Effects
If you have any severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider right away. Serious side effects of Vesicare include:
Due to its potential side effects, Vesicare should be used with caution in older people (aged 65 years and older). Vesicare can also cause you not to sweat. Be careful when exercising or in hot weather.
A synthetic liquid called propylene glycol may be present in some dosage formulations. Taking large amounts can be poisonous and may cause harmful effects like seizures. Carefully measure out and take the exact liquid amount ordered by your healthcare provider. Do not take extra doses.
Report Side Effects
Vesicare may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your provider may send a report to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).
Dosage: How Much Vesicare Should I Take?
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (suspension):
- For neurogenic detrusor overactivity:
- Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body and must be determined by your doctor:
- Weighing more than 60 kilograms (kg)—At first, 5 milliliters (mL) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mL per day.
- Weighing more than 45 to 60 kg—At first, 4 mL once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 8 mL per day.
- Weighing more than 30 to 45 kg—At first, 3 mL once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mL per day.
- Weighing more than 15 to 30 kg—At first, 3 mL once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 5 mL per day.
- Weighing 9 to 15 kg—At first, 2 mL once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 mL per day.
- Children younger than 2 years of age or weighing less than 9 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body and must be determined by your doctor:
- For neurogenic detrusor overactivity:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For symptoms of an overactive bladder:
- Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For symptoms of an overactive bladder:
Modifications
You may need a dosage adjustment of Vesicare if you have liver or kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may decide not to prescribe you Vesicare if you have severe liver impairment.
If you are also taking potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, you may need a greater daily dose of Vesicare. Your provider will tell you how much you should take.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose once you remember if it is not past 12 hours since you missed your dose. If your next dose is too close and has been over 12 hours, skip the missed dose. Return to your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the amount or take extra doses.
Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Vesicare?
Overdose symptoms may include confusion, blurred vision, or tremor.
What Happens If I Overdose on Vesicare?
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on Vesicare, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Vesicare, call 911 immediately.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Solifenacin may cause serious types of allergic reactions called angioedema and anaphylaxis, which may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, a large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, trouble breathing, or chest tightness while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are taking this medicine, since overheating may result in heat stroke.
This medicine may cause constipation. Call your doctor if you get severe stomach pain or become constipated for 3 or more days.
This medicine may cause dry mouth. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
What Are Reasons I Shouldn't Take Vesicare?
Do not take Vesicare if you have:
- Severe liver problem
- An eye problem called uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
- Allergy to solifenacin or any part of the formulation
- Trouble emptying your bladder (urinary retention)
- Slow or delayed emptying of your stomach
What Medications Interact With Vesicare?
Using some drugs while on Vesicare may cause very severe reactions.
Do not take solifenacin with:
What Medications Are Similar?
Medications similar to Vesicare that may be used to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems are:
Myrbetriq and Detrol are comparable to Vesicare. They are both safe and effective in treating overactive bladder.
Toviaz and Ditropan are also similar to solifenacin. However, Toviaz has more side effects. Ditropan causes more dry mouth than solifenacin.
This list contains drugs also prescribed to treat OAB conditions. It is NOT a list of medicines recommended to take with Vesicare. Do not take these drugs together unless your doctor tells you to. If you have any problems, talk to your healthcare provider.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Vesicare?
OAB can be a debilitating medical condition, especially if it interferes with your daily life. Be honest with your healthcare provider and work together to seek the appropriate treatment strategy.
In addition to medication, you can also try different coping strategies. Restricting fluids and limiting certain foods and drinks can help reduce bladder irritation. You can also make practical adjustments like planning regular bathroom breaks throughout the day and avoiding fluids near bedtime.
Managing a chronic condition like OAB can be stressful. If you find it difficult to cope, reaching out to support groups can help you connect with others who understand what you are going through.
Vesicare works very well to control your overactive bladder symptoms when you take it properly. However, it may cause side effects like constipation, dry mouth, and headache. Follow your healthcare provider's direction and take as instructed. Do not stop, adjust, or start any medicine, including over-the-counter drugs, without speaking with your healthcare provider.
Medical Disclaimer
Verywell Health's drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare professional. Consult your doctor before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.
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