Drug Name

Urispas (Flavoxate)

Drug Uses

This medication relaxes the muscles of the urinary tract. It is used to relieve pain, burning, urinary urgency and frequency and other symptoms associated with urinary tract infections, bladder infections and prostate infections.

How Taken

Take flavoxate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. If your symptoms are not being treated, notify your doctor.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Urispas (flavoxate HCl) tablets contain flavoxate hydrochloride, a synthetic urinary tract spasmolytic. Flavoxate hydrochloride counteracts smooth muscle spasm of the urinary tract and exerts its effect directly on the muscle. In a single study of 11 normal male subjects, the time to onset of action was 55 minutes. The peak effect was observed at 112 minutes. 57% of the flavoxate HCl was excreted in the urine within 24 hours.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: kidney problems, stomach or intestinal disorders, glaucoma, allergies. Because this medication may cause drowsiness or blurred vision, use caution driving or performing tasks requiring alertness. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and nervousness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, a rapid pulse, fever, eye pain, mental confusion, skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

This medication relieves the symptoms of the infection and must be taken along with an antibiotic which will treat the infection itself.