Solifenacin Flashcards

Solifenacin Overview

• Brand name: Vesicare
• Generic name: Solifenacin

Indications

• Treats overactive bladder
• Addresses symptoms: urge urinary incontinence, urgency, urinary frequency

Dosing Recommendations

• Starting dose: 5 mg once daily
• If tolerated, can increase to: 10 mg once daily

Available Strengths

• Dosage forms: Tablets
• Strengths: 5 mg and 10 mg

Medication Class

• Classified as a Urinary Bladder Modifier

Pharmacology

• Mechanism: Competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist
• Functions by inhibiting muscarinic receptors linked to bladder contraction and salivary stimulation

Drug Interactions

• Risk D with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors
• Includes: ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir, clarithromycin, nefazodone
• May decrease hepatic metabolism of solifenacin

Side Effects

• Common effects: dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision
• Other possible effects: UTI, dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, dry eyes, drowsiness

Contraindications

• Not for patients with:
  • Urinary retention
  • Gastric retention
  • Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Bladder outflow obstruction
  • Gastrointestinal obstructive disorders
  • Decreased GI motility
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Controlled narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Hepatic or renal impairment
  • If pregnant or nursing (risk category C)
  • Patients with QT prolongation or on QT-prolonging medications
• Rare reports of angioedema

Patient Counseling

• Avoid prolonged exposure to heat
• Be cautious with activities requiring alertness due to potential dizziness or drowsiness
• Can be taken with or without food
• Swallow tablets whole; do not chew, split, or crush
• Possible effects include dry mouth or blurred vision
• Store medication in a cool, dry place away from children
• Contact a physician for persistent or severe side effects
• If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal schedule

Test your knowledge on Solifenacin, including its brand name, indications, and dosing information. These flashcards will help reinforce your understanding of this medication used for treating overactive bladder. Perfect for pharmacy students and healthcare professionals.