Products
Flavoxate is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Urispas). It has been approved in many countries since 2008.
Structure and properties
Flavoxate (C24H25NO4, Mr = 391.5 g/mol) is present in drugs as flavoxate hydrochloride, an oxo-benzopyran and piperidine derivative. An active metabolite is involved in the effects.
Effects
Flavoxate (ATC G04BD02) has antispasmodic effects on lower urinary tract smooth muscle. Unlike other agents used for this indication, flavoxate is not anticholinergic. It exerts mild analgesic and anesthetic effects on the mucosa of the urinary bladder.
Indications
For symptomatic treatment of frequent urination, urinary urgency, and urinary incontinence of various causes, for example, in the setting of irritable bladder, prostatic enlargement, or cystitis.
Dosage
According to the professional information leaflet. Usually one tablet is taken three to four times daily after meals.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
- Narrowing or obstruction of the urinary tract
- Symptoms caused by heart or kidney disease.
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions have been described with antacids, dopamine antagonists, amantadine, quinidine, neuroleptics, and antidepressants.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions, dizziness, headache, fatigue, confusion, visual disturbances, an increase in intraocular pressure, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, dry mouth, and indigestion.
