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Uses

What is darifenacin used for?

Darifenacin is commonly used to treat 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.

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

How does darifenacin work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is darifenacin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Enablex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 7.5 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 15 mg extended-release oral tablets

How should I store darifenacin?

Darifenacin 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.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of darifenacin?

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

  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach (or indigestion)
  • Nausea
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Blurred vision

There may be other side effects of darifenacin 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 darifenacin?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Darifenacin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking darifenacin 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. Darifenacin 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). Darifenacin 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. Darifenacin 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use darifenacin?

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

  • Darifenacin
  • Enablex
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

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

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

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

What should I know about darifenacin before using it?

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

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

Keep darifenacin out of the reach of children.

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

Swallow darifenacin extended-release tablets whole. Do not chew, cut, or crush darifenacin extended-release tablets.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using darifenacin?

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 darifenacin is right for you.

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

  • Problems peeing, a weak urine stream, or a blockage in your bladder
  • Stomach or intestinal problems, or problems with constipation
  • Liver problems
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Myasthenia gravis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Darifenacin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking darifenacin, 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 darifenacin 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 darifenacin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does darifenacin interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

Does darifenacin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Darifenacin 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 darifenacin.

  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which are medicines used for fungal infections
  • Clarithromycin (Biaxin), which is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections
  • Certain medicines for HIV, including ritonavir (Norvir) or nelfinavir (Viracept)
  • Nefazodone (Serzone), which is an antidepressant
  • Flecainide (Tambocor), which is a medicine to treat irregular heartbeat
  • Thioridazine (Mellaril), which is an antipsychotic used to treat certain mental health conditions
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with darifenacin. 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 darifenacin?

If you or someone else has used too much darifenacin, 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 darifenacin?

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.