Darifen ER is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency.
Darifenacin is a potent, competitive and selective muscarinic receptor antagonist which has greater binding affinity for muscarinic M3 receptors. M3 receptors are involved in the contraction of the detrusor muscle of the bladder, GI smooth muscle, saliva production, and iris sphincter function. Darifenacin may increase volume threshold in patients with involuntary detrusor contraction, thus increase bladder capacity.
Darifenacin 7.5 mg once daily; may increase dose to 15 mg once daily if no adequate response after 2 wk of therapy. Darifenacin should be taken with liquid. It can be taken with or without food, and should be swallowed whole and not chewed, divided or crushed. For patients with moderate hepatic impairment or when co-administered with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir, clarithromycin and nefazadone), the daily dose of Darifenacin should not exceed 7.5 mg.
The most common side effects are dry mouth & constipation. Other less commonly reported side effects include- abnormal vision, back pain, dry skin, hypertension, vomiting, peripheral edema, weight gain, arthralgia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, rash, pruritus, urinary tract disorder and vaginitis.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Patient with urinary retention, gastric retention, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, and in patients who are at risk for these conditions.
Darifen ER has known drug-drug interaction with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir etc.). The concomitant use of Darifen ER with other anticholinergic agents may increase the frequency and/or severity of dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and other anticholinergic pharmacological effects.
Darifen ER should be used with caution in the patient at risk for urinary retention & decreased gastrointestinal motility, with impaired renal & hepatic impairment.