Darifenacin

Darifen ER is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency.

Dosage & Administration

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.

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.