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About flavoxate hydrochloride
| Type of medicine | Urinary antispasmodic |
| Used for | Treatment of muscle spasms of the urinary tract, urinary frequency and incontinence |
| Also called | Urispas® |
| Available as | Tablets |
If you have urinary incontinence it means that you pass urine when you do not mean to - this may cause you distress as well as being a hygiene problem. There are several different causes of urinary incontinence, such as weakened pelvic floor muscles, problems causing your bladder muscles to contract too much or too early, or something causing an obstruction. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Flavoxate works by reducing the muscle contractions of your bladder and increasing the volume of urine that your bladder can hold. This will help reduce your symptoms of passing urine unexpectedly and frequently.
Before taking flavoxate hydrochloride
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking flavoxate it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have a condition which can cause a blockage in your stomach, bowel, or urinary tract.
- If you have had any bleeding from your bowel (such as having dark stools or blood in your stools).
- If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in your eyes).
- If you have hiatus hernia, an overactive thyroid, or high blood pressure.
- If you have a heart condition, such as an abnormal heart rhythm, problems with the blood vessels in your heart, or heart failure.
- If you have problems with your prostate.
- If you have myasthenia gravis (this is a condition causing muscle weakness).
- If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
How to take flavoxate hydrochloride
- Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about flavoxate, and a full list of possible side-effects from taking it.
- Take one tablet three times daily unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor. Your dose will also be on the label of the pack.
- Try to take your tablets at the same times each day as this will help you to remember to take them. You can take them before, during or after your meals.
- If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with flavoxate. This is because some medicines (particularly antihistamines) can increase the chance that you will experience unwanted effects such as a dry mouth and blurred vision.
- Drinks containing caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cola) may make your symptoms worse. This is because caffeine is a natural diuretic and will make you need to pass urine. If you drink a lot of caffeine-containing fluids, consider switching to decaffeinated alternatives.
- Try to maintain a normal life as much as possible with regard to drinking and visiting the toilet. However, drinking late at night may mean your sleep is disturbed by the desire to get up and go to the toilet, so you may want to avoid drinking too much during the evening.
- If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking flavoxate.
Can flavoxate hydrochloride cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Flavoxate hydrochloride side-effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
| Feeling dizzy or drowsy, blurred vision | If this happens do not drive or use tools or machines |
| Feeling sick, indigestion | Eat simple meals - avoid rich or spicy foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller |
| Feeling confused or nervous, a fast heartbeat, skin rash, vertigo (a spinning sensation), pain when passing urine, difficulty swallowing | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store flavoxate hydrochloride
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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Further reading & references
- British National Formulary; 63rd Edition (Mar 2012) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
- Manufacturer's PIL, Urispas® 200 mg Film-coated Tablets; Manufacturer's PIL, Urispas® 200 mg Film-coated Tablets, Recordati Pharmaceuticals Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2010.
| Original Author: Helen Allen | Current Version: Helen Allen | Peer Reviewer: Dr John Cox |
| Last Checked: 19/07/2012 | Document ID: 4145 Version: 3 | © EMIS |
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.