Flavoxate Hydrochloride
Generic Details
Generic Name
Flavoxate Hydrochloride
Other Names
- Flavoxate HCl
Drug Class
- Anticholinergic/Antimuscarinic
Chemical Formula
C24H25NO4.HCl
Molecular Weight
427.922 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Acts as a direct smooth muscle relaxant
- Antagonizes acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the bladder
Indications
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Extended-release tablet
Typical Dosage
- 200 mg three to four times a day
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- May require dosage adjustment due to decreased renal function
Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Constipation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to flavoxate
- Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis
Pregnancy Category
- Category B - Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women
Lactation Safety
- Not recommended during lactation due to limited data on excretion in human milk
Drug Interactions
- Avoid concomitant use with other anticholinergic drugs
- May potentiate the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants
Overdose Symptoms
- Severe drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, symptomatic and supportive treatment
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Widely distributed in the body, crosses the blood-brain barrier
- Metabolism: Mainly hepatic via glucuronidation
- Excretion: Primarily in the urine
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias
- Caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment
Warnings
- May cause drowsiness or blurred vision, caution when driving or operating machinery
Others
- May take several weeks for full benefits to be realized