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Uses

What is solifenacin used for?

Solifenacin is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

  • Overactive bladder, when you have an urgent need to pee even if your bladder is not full, wetting accidents because of a strong need to pee, or frequent peeing.
  • Neurogenic detrusor overactivity, which is a type of neurogenic bladder condition caused by brain, spinal cord, or nerve problems.

Solifenacin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does solifenacin work (mechanism of action)?

Solifenacin increases the amount of pee that your bladder can hold by relaxing a muscle in your bladder.

How is solifenacin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vesicare
  • Vesicare LS

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg/mL oral suspension
  • 5 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg oral tablets

How should I store solifenacin?

Solifenacin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Store solifenacin oral suspension in the original bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of solifenacin?

The most common side effects of solifenacin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Blurred vision

There may be other side effects of solifenacin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of solifenacin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of solifenacin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Solifenacin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking solifenacin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Angioedema. Solifenacin may cause a rare reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider if you have this type of swelling. If you are having trouble breathing, get medical attention right away.

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Solifenacin might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage or take other medicines for overactive bladder. Call your healthcare provider right away if you cannot empty your bladder.

Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke. Solifenacin can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms of heat-related illness.

  • Decreased sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Increased body temperature
  • Dry skin caused by decreased sweating

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use solifenacin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take solifenacin.

  • Solifenacin
  • Vesicare
  • Vesicare LS
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific solifenacin products they stock.

Inability to Empty the Bladder (Urinary Retention). Do not take solifenacin if you have a condition called urinary retention.

Slow Emptying of the Stomach (Gastric Retention). Do not take solifenacin if you have delayed or slow emptying of your stomach, a condition called gastric retention.

Glaucoma. Do not take solifenacin if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a condition that causes increased pressure inside the eye.

What should I know about solifenacin before using it?

Do not take solifenacin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share solifenacin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep solifenacin out of the reach of children.

Solifenacin can cause blurry vision, dizziness, and drowsiness. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision or alertness until you know how solifenacin affects you.

Oral Suspension. Shake the bottle well before taking each dose. Use an accurate measuring device, such as an oral syringe, to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device. After you take your dose of solifenacin oral suspension, drink water or milk. After the bottle has been opened for 28 days, discard any leftover medicine you do not use.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using solifenacin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if solifenacin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

  • Stomach or intestinal problems, or problems with constipation
  • Problems peeing, a weak urine stream, or a blockage in your bladder
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • History or family history of a rare heart condition called QT prolongation (long QT syndrome)

Other Medicines and Supplements. Solifenacin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking solifenacin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how solifenacin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if solifenacin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does solifenacin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between solifenacin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect solifenacin. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking solifenacin.

Oral Suspension. After you take your dose of solifenacin oral suspension, drink water or milk. Avoid taking solifenacin oral suspension at the same time as other food or drinks, because it may have a bitter taste.

Does solifenacin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Solifenacin interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking solifenacin.

  • Ketoconazole (Nizoral), which is a medicine used for fungal infections

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with solifenacin. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much solifenacin?

If you or someone else has used too much solifenacin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of solifenacin?

Oral Tablets. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

Oral Suspension. If you miss a dose of solifenacin oral suspension, take it as soon as possible. If it has been 12 hours since taking the last dose, skip that dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take 2 doses of solifenacin oral suspension the same day.