Uses

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 (e.g., urinary tract/bladder/prostate infection or inflammation).

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, 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 your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: nausea/vomiting/constipation that doesnt go away, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), eye pain.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/pounding heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), difficult/painful urination.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.

Precautions

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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: stomach/intestinal blockage (e.g., pyloric/duodenal obstruction, ileus), bleeding from the stomach or intestines, bladder blockage.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure), a certain eye condition (glaucoma), kidney problems, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), enlarged prostate gland, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., infection, acid-reflux disease, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis), 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 not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.