This medication is used to treat certain bladder/urinary
tract symptoms. Flavoxate is a smooth-muscle relaxant. It works by relaxing
the muscles in the bladder. Flavoxate helps to reduce leaking of urine,
feelings of needing to urinate right away, frequent trips to the bathroom,
and bladder pain. This medication does not treat the cause of your bladder
symptoms (such as urinary tract/bladder/prostate infection or
inflammation).
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day. Take with food if stomach upset
occurs.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Your doctor may lower your dose after your symptoms
have improved. The length of treatment depends on the cause of the
problem.
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more
often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any
faster, and the risk of side effects may be increased.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness,
dizziness, blurred vision, and nervousness may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or
ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva
substitute.
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough
water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your
pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting/constipation that doesn't go away
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
- eye pain
- chest pain
- fast/pounding heartbeat
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever)
- difficult/painful urination
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking flavoxate, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, bleeding,
ileus, infection, acid-reflux disease, chronic constipation, ulcerative
colitis)
- heart problems (such as fast/irregular heartbeat, heart
failure)
- a certain eye condition (glaucoma)
- kidney problems
- a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
- difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged
prostate)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication can cause decreased sweating. To reduce
the risk of a serious reaction to too much heat (heatstroke), avoid
becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas, or during exercise or other
strenuous activities.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially dizziness (more likely when standing up),
drowsiness, constipation, trouble urinating, or confusion. Dizziness,
drowsiness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- potassium tablets/capsules
- pramlintide
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
slow/shallow breathing, hallucination, seizures, loss of
consciousness.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do
so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that
case.
This medication may relieve the symptoms of a bladder
infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), or prostate infection. However,
it does not treat an infection. An antibiotic may be needed if you have an
infection.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.