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Posted By: Robert Published in Common Drugs

Nov

Enablex

Generic Name: darifenacin (dar e FEN a sin)
Brand Names: Enablex

What is Enablex?

Enablex reduces muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.

Enablex is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination, and incontinence (urine leakage).

Enablex may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Enablex

You should not use Enablex if you are allergic to darifenacin, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using Enablex, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, liver disease, a muscle disorder, ulcerative colitis, or a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Enablex can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Enablex can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. There are many other medicines that can interact with Enablex. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Stop using Enablex and call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as hot and dry skin, extreme thirst, severe stomach pain or constipation, pain or burning when you urinate, or if you stop urinating.

Before taking Enablex

You should not use Enablex if you are allergic to darifenacin, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;
a stomach disorder causing delayed emptying; or
if you are unable to urinate.

Before using Enablex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

glaucoma;
liver disease;
ulcerative colitis;
a blockage in your stomach or intestines; or
a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Enablex.

FDA pregnancy category C. Enablex may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Enablex passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Enablex without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Enablex?

Take Enablex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take Enablex with water.

Enablex can be taken with or without food.

Store Enablex at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra Enablex to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include severe constipation or stomach pain, extreme weakness, or urinating less than usual or not at all.

What should I avoid while taking Enablex?

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Enablex can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Enablex can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Enablex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Enablex and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

hot, dry skin and extreme thirst;
severe stomach pain or constipation;
pain or burning when you urinate; or
urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

dry mouth;
dry eyes, blurred vision;
mild constipation;
diarrhea;
nausea, mild stomach pain or upset;
dizziness, weakness;
headache; or
fever, sore throat, body aches, or other flu symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Enablex?

The following drugs can interact with Enablex. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

other bladder or urinary medications such as flavoxate (Urispas), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), tolterodine (Detrol), or solifenacin (Vesicare); or
glycopyrrolate (Robinul);
flecainide (Tambocor);
mepenzolate (Cantil);
thioridazine (Mellaril);
HIV /AIDS medicine such as nelfinavir (Viracept) or ritonavir (Norvir);
an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or troleandomycin (Tao);
atropine (Donnatal, and others), benztropine (Cogentin), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), methscopolamine (Pamine), or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);
bronchodilators such as ipratroprium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva);
irritable bowel medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), or propantheline (Pro-Banthine); or
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Enablex. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Enablex.

What does my medication look like?

Darifenacin is available with a prescription under the brand name Enablex . Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.