About VESIcare Tablet
VESIcare, containing solifenacin succinate as an active ingredient, is a prescription anticholinergic drug indicated in adults for the treatment and management of overactive bladder. It is an FDA-approved drug for oral use. The medicine is not recommended for use in children, patients with gastric retention, urinary obstruction, or lactating mothers.
The medicine is available in the following strengths;
- 5mg tablet for oral use
- 10mg tablet for oral use
Generic: Solifenacin succinate
Manufacturer: Astellas Pharma
Drug class: Antimuscarinic/urinary antispasmodic
Product form: Oral Tablet
Mechanism of VESIcare Tablet
VESIcare contains solifenacin which is a muscarinic receptor antagonist and imparts anticholinergic effects on the muscles. By preventing the binding of acetylcholine to the receptors, VESIcare prevents the contractions of the muscles of the urinary bladder and thus reduces the tone of the smooth muscles of the bladder. The ability of the bladder to retain urine increases which makes it suitable for use in urinary bladder overactivity-related conditions.
VESIcare Tablet Uses/Indications
The VESIcare tablet is prescribed for;
- Overactive bladder: OAB is an increased volume of urine production with an intense uncontrollable urge to urinate.
- Urinary incontinence: Inability to control the urine resulting in urinary leakage.
- Urinary urgency: Intense sudden urge to urinate due to bladder overactivity.
- Increased frequency of urination: Increased urine production and inability to control the urine.
VESIcare Tablet price in Pakistan
VESIcare tablet costs in Pakistan 2500-3000 PKR per tablet ($13/tablet). The price can vary depending on the manufacturer.
VESIcare Table Dose and Dosing Schedule
It is recommended to follow the prescribed dose of the medicine according to your age, medical condition, and other relevant factors.
The usual dose of VESIcare tablet is;
- 5mg once daily
- If 5mg is well tolerated, the dose can be increased to 10 mg once daily
- Dose adjustment is required in renal and hepatic patients
Consult a urologist for an accurate dose of VESIcare based on your symptoms.
How to use VESIcare Tablet
The general indications for VESIcare tablet are;
- Take the tablet orally with water without crushing or chewing.
- You can take this medicine with or without a meal.
- Take the medicine at the same time each day to get the optimum therapeutic benefits.
- Use the medicine with special caution in patients with compromised liver/hepatic function.
Side effects associated with VESIcare Use
The reported side effects of the medicine containing solifenacin include;
- Constipation (inform the doctor if it gets severe and lasts for 3 or more days)
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Decreased sweating
- Dry eyes
- Reduces salivation
- Angioedema that may result in life-threatening airway obstruction
- Somnolence
- Dehydration
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headache and dizziness
Some of the side effects of VESIcare like angioedema may even become fatal, hence, it is recommended to consult the urologist as soon as any of these side effects appear.
Contraindications
Anticholinergic drugs like solifenacin are contraindicated in patients suffering from;
- Gastric retention
- Urinary retention
- Bladder obstruction
- Glaucoma
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug
- A reported case of angioedema of the face, lips, larynx, et
Is the VESIcare tablet safe for Pregnancy?
The muscarinic receptor antagonist VESIcare containing solifenacin is placed in pregnancy category C as studies in pregnant rats showed that the medicine can cross the placental barrier and may affect the growing fetus. It is only prescribed in pregnancy when the benefits of the tablet outclass the associated risks.
Alternative Brands of VESIcare
The available alternative brands of medicine containing solifenacin include;
- Solifen
- Argesin
Precautions for VESIcare Tablet
- Tell your doctor about all the prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines that you are taking.
- Inform the doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, gastric retention, or urinary obstruction.
- Tell your doctor if you have any heart issues as the medicine can result in irregular heart rate or arrhythmia.
- Take the doctor in confidence if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
- Take special care while driving after using the medicine as it can make you feel dizzy and sleepy.
- Follow the prescribed dosing schedule properly.
Overdose of VESIcare
Acute overdose of the medicine can result in changes in the mental status while chronic overdose produces extreme anticholinergic effects such as; dilated pupils, blurred vision, tremors, seizures, and dry skin. Breathing difficulties may even result in death if immediate treatment is not provided.
Report the medicine overdose immediately. The treatment approach for this drug overdose involves gastric lavage followed by symptomatic treatment.
Interactions with VESIcare Tablet
The drug interacts with the medicines that are the inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme as solifenacin is metabolized by this enzyme. The interacting drugs which affect the response of the drug include;
- Antifungal azoles including ketoconazole
- Potassium tablets
- Amantadine
- Antihistamines
Missed dose of VESIcare
Take the medicine as per the dosing regime prescribed by your doctor. If you miss the dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the time of the next dose is near, skip the previous dose and take the upcoming dose as per the schedule. Avoid repeating the dose at a time as it can cause adverse effects.
Storage Conditions
Consider the following while storing the tablet;
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep the medicine away from the direct sunlight
- Store the tablet in a cool and dry place
- Keep all the medicines away from the reach of children
Book an appointment with the best doctor for urinary incontinence treatment and management
FAQs
1. At what time of the day should you take VESIcare?
You can take the medicine at any time of the day as recommended by your doctor. However, for maximum benefit, try taking the medicine at the same time every day with or without food.
2. Does solifenacin affect sleep?
VESIcare containing solifenacin is known to improve sleep quality in patients who suffer insomnia due to urinary urgency or bladder overactivity. The medicine may cause somnolence in some patients.
3. Is it safe to take VESIcare for a long time?
Take the medicine for the time prescribed by your doctor. Avoid taking the medicine longer than the recommended period. The doctor usually evaluates the condition after 6 or 12 months. The dose is thereafter adjusted as per the needs. The long-term use of VESIcare may cause dementia and confusion.
Disclaimer: The content published on Marham.pk is for informational or educational purposes only, produced from FDA-approved literature, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using a prescription or over-the-counter drug, or any other treatment option.