fesoterodine fumarate at a glance
Medicine class
Bladder antimuscarinic
Licensed role
Treating urgency, increased urinary frequency and urgency incontinence in adults with overactive bladder syndrome
Form
Prolonged-release tablet that must be swallowed whole
Food
May be taken with or without food
What is fesoterodine fumarate used for?
The selected products are licensed for adults with overactive bladder syndrome.
Reducing sudden urinary urgency
Reducing abnormally frequent urination
Reducing urine leakage associated with urgency
How does fesoterodine fumarate work?
Fesoterodine is rapidly converted into an active metabolite that blocks muscarinic receptors. This reduces bladder muscle activity, helping the bladder store urine with less urgency and involuntary contraction.
fesoterodine fumarate preparations and strengths
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 4 mg, 8 mg
How to take fesoterodine fumarate
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions.
Swallow the prolonged-release tablet whole with liquid.
Do not chew, crush or split the tablet.
It may be taken with or without food.
fesoterodine fumarate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or nausea
- Dry eyes or throat
- Headache or dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Pain or straining when passing urine
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, mouth or throat, which may indicate angioedema
- Inability to pass urine
- Marked confusion, palpitations or severe blurred vision requiring prompt assessment
fesoterodine fumarate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are inadequate, so the selected product information does not recommend fesoterodine during pregnancy. Contact the prescriber if pregnancy occurs or is planned.
fesoterodine fumarate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether fesoterodine or its metabolites enter human milk, and the selected product information does not recommend breastfeeding during treatment. Specialist assessment is appropriate because fesoterodine-specific evidence is unavailable.
fesoterodine fumarate interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products for anticholinergic effects and medicines that alter fesoterodine exposure.
Other antimuscarinic or anticholinergic medicines
May increase dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness and urinary retention.
Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, including itraconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir-containing regimens
Can substantially increase exposure to the active metabolite; restrictions depend on kidney and liver function.
Common questions about fesoterodine fumarate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can fesoterodine fumarate be taken with food?
Yes. The selected prolonged-release tablets may be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole with liquid.
Can fesoterodine fumarate tablets be crushed or chewed?
No. Crushing or chewing can interfere with the prolonged-release formulation; swallow the tablet whole.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.