darifenacin hydrobromide at a glance
Medicine class
Antimuscarinic; selective muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist in vitro
Licensed use
Symptoms of overactive bladder in adults
Formulation
Prolonged-release tablet that must be swallowed whole
Food
May be taken with or without food
What is darifenacin hydrobromide used for?
Darifenacin hydrobromide is licensed in adults for symptomatic treatment of overactive bladder syndrome.
Urge incontinence
Increased urinary frequency
Sudden urinary urgency
How does darifenacin hydrobromide work?
Darifenacin blocks muscarinic M3 receptors involved in bladder-muscle contraction. This reduces involuntary bladder activity and allows the bladder to hold more urine. Whether its M3 selectivity provides a clinical advantage over other antimuscarinics is not established.
darifenacin hydrobromide preparations and strengths
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 7.5 mg, 15 mg
How to take darifenacin hydrobromide
Take the prolonged-release tablet with liquid. It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole.
Do not chew, divide or crush it.
Do not drive or use machinery if you experience dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness or impaired alertness.
darifenacin hydrobromide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dry eyes or nose
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or indigestion
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or breathing difficulty
- Inability to pass urine
- New marked confusion or hallucinations
darifenacin hydrobromide in pregnancy
Darifenacin is not recommended during pregnancy because human safety information is very limited. Anyone who becomes pregnant while taking it should arrange a medication review.
darifenacin hydrobromide while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether darifenacin enters human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. Continuing treatment or breastfeeding requires an individual benefit–risk assessment, particularly for a premature or unwell infant or when several medicines are used.
darifenacin hydrobromide interactions
Darifenacin is mainly metabolised by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. It can also add to the effects of other antimuscarinics.
Ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and other potent CYP3A4 inhibitors
Can greatly increase darifenacin exposure and must not be combined with it.
Ciclosporin or verapamil
May substantially increase exposure, so the combination should be avoided.
Clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole or grapefruit juice
May increase darifenacin exposure and requires prescriber review and caution.
Common questions about darifenacin hydrobromide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is darifenacin hydrobromide used for?
It treats urinary urgency, increased frequency and urge incontinence associated with overactive bladder syndrome in adults.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. Food does not materially affect the prolonged-release formulation.
Can the tablets be crushed or split?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.