Flavoxate Hcl

Flavoxate HCl (flavoxate hydrochloride) acts directly on the smooth muscle of the urinary tract. Most of a dose is quickly converted to an active metabolite, methyl flavone carboxylic acid, which is cleared by the kidneys. In studies it increased the volume the bladder can hold and lowered the pressure at which it empties, and it has no significant effect on the heart or breathing. After a 200 mg dose, blood levels of the metabolite peak within 30 to 60 minutes, and about half the dose leaves the body in the urine within 12 hours. Animal studies also suggest mild pain-relieving and local anaesthetic properties. It eases symptoms; it does not treat an underlying infection or blockage.

According to the UK SmPC, the tablets give symptomatic relief from painful urination, urgency, passing urine at night, pain above the pubic bone, frequency and incontinence linked to cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis, urethrocystitis and urethrotrigonitis. A second group of uses covers procedures: the medicine may be given beforehand when a catheter is to be passed or a cystoscopy performed, to relieve spasm from an indwelling catheter, and to settle the bladder after an operation on the lower urinary tract.

One strength is offered: 200 mg, matching the UK brand. You can order it as 30 tablets or in larger quantities of 60, 90, 120 and 180. The product listed here is imported and does not hold its own UK licence. In Britain, flavoxate is sold as Urispas 200 mg film-coated tablets, whose licence is held by Recordati Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Urispas is a prescription-only medicine (POM).

The SmPC dose for adults, older people included, is one 200 mg tablet three times a day for as long as needed. Taking each tablet after a meal helps prevent nausea. Safety and effectiveness below the age of 12 have not been established, so it is not recommended for children. Because the kidneys clear more than half of each dose, people with reduced kidney function need extra caution. Its interactions have never been formally studied, which is a good reason to tell whoever prescribes it about every other medicine, remedy and supplement you use. There are no human data on fertility, although animal studies showed no effect.

It must not be taken by anyone allergic to flavoxate or its ingredients, or by people with a blockage of the digestive tract or ileus, bleeding from the stomach or bowel, achalasia, urinary retention, glaucoma or myasthenia gravis. The SmPC prefers that pregnant women avoid it as a precaution, and it is not for use during breastfeeding because a risk to the baby cannot be excluded. Each tablet of the UK brand contains lactose, which matters for people with rare inherited sugar intolerances; check the ingredient list on your own pack.

Nausea is common. Less often there may be vomiting, a dry mouth, indigestion, drowsiness, blurred or impaired vision and rash; urticaria, itching, difficulty passing urine and tiredness are rare. Reports since marketing include confusion, palpitations, jaundice or other liver problems, glaucoma and serious allergic reactions. Its influence on driving is described as minor, but if you become sleepy or your sight blurs, do not drive or use machinery until it passes.

The need for Flavoxate HCl, and how long to continue it, is decided by the doctor or prescriber responsible for your care.