Home Drug Guide Flavoxate Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Flavoxate Hydrochloride

Brand Names Urispas

Classification

Therapeutic: Bladder antispasmodic

Pharmacological: Anticholinergic/Parasympatholytic

FDA Approved Indications

Relief of urinary bladder spasms associated with infections, cystitis, or other urinary tract conditions

Mechanism of Action

Flavoxate Hydrochloride relieves bladder spasms by exerting anticholinergic effects, inhibiting parasympathetic nerve impulses to the bladder detrusor muscle, thereby decreasing muscle spasms.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 200-400 mg per day in divided doses; typically 100-200 mg 3-4 times daily.

Pediatric: Use is not recommended due to limited safety data.

Geriatric: Start at lower end of dosing range and titrate based on response and tolerability.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustment provided.

Hepatic Impairment: Caution advised; no specific dosage adjustment provided.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Primarily excreted in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 2 hours.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to flavoxate or any component of the formulation.
Use with caution in patients with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or gastric retention.

Precautions

Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of anticholinergic side effects.
Monitor for urinary retention, especially in patients with obstructive uropathy.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Dry mouth (Common)
Drowsiness or dizziness (Common)
Urinary retention (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, bronchospasm) (Rare)
Visual disturbances, confusion in elderly (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine), which can increase anticholinergic effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for relief of bladder spasms and monitor for adverse effects.

Diagnoses:

Urinary incontinence related to bladder spasms.
Risk for urinary retention related to anticholinergic therapy.

Implementation: Administer with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. Monitor urinary patterns and side effects.

Evaluation: Evaluate effectiveness in reducing bladder spasms and assess for anticholinergic adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

Take medication as prescribed and do not skip doses.
Report symptoms of dry mouth, dizziness, or urinary retention.
Avoid activities requiring alertness until response known.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

None at present.

Genetic Factors: Genetic variability may affect metabolism, but specific data are limited.

Lab Test Interference: May cause urine discoloration.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Extreme anticholinergic effects such as hallucinations, seizures, coma, urinary retention.

Treatment: Manage supportively; activated charcoal may be used if ingestion is recent; symptomatic treatment includes cooling measures and IV fluids.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.