What is Solifenacin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take this medicine as prescribed.

Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine.

Take only one dose daily.

How to take solifenacin tablets:

• Tablets can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

• Swallow the tablet whole with water. 

• Store solifenacin tablets at room temperature.

How to take solifenacin oral suspension:

• Taking the dose with food may leave a bitter taste.

• Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose.

• Always measure the dose with a calibrated oral syringe or other oral dosing device. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware. 

• A pharmacist can provide a calibrated oral dosing device.

• Immediately drink water or milk after taking the dose.

• Clean the measuring device and allow it to dry completely.

• Store solifenacin oral suspension in the original bottle with the cap closed at room temperature.

• Throw away the oral suspension 28 days after it was first opened.

Ask the prescriber what to do in case a dose is missed. The FDA's prescribing information provides contradictory advice about missed doses.

The Patient Information sheet for solifenacin tablets says that a missed dose should be skipped.

The Patient Information sheet for VESIcare LS (oral suspension) advises that you take a missed dose within 12 hours of its scheduled time. If the missed dose is remembered more than 12 hours later, skip the missed dose. 

Take the next day’s dose as scheduled.

Never take two doses on the same day.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have:

• Problems passing urine

• Problems with stomach emptying (gastric retention)

• Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma

• An allergic reaction to solifenacin

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Solifenacin treatment requires regular check-ups with a doctor. Keep all appointments.

Before starting solifenacin therapy, make sure the prescriber knows about all your medical conditions, particularly:

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Bladder blockage

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

• Stomach or bowel problems

• A heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation

Solifenacin can cause serious problems, including:

• Urinary retention (in people with urinary blockage or enlarged prostate)

• Central nervous system problems

• Constipation

• Severe allergic reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis

This medicine can cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive or do any other risky activity until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while taking this medicine.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, make sure the doctor knows about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you are using before starting solifenacin treatment.

The number of possible drug interactions is very long, so please keep a list of all the drugs you use. Solifenacin can have potentially serious drug interactions with:

• Other anticholinergic drugs

• Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin

• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin

• Oral azole antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole 

• Antiviral drugs called protease inhibitors

• HIV/AIDS drugs that contain cobicistat

• Drugs that treat heart rhythm problems

• Some cancer drugs

• Narcotic pain medications

• Some antidepressants

• Some antipsychotic drugs

• Dementia medications

• Paxlovid

Your doctor or pharmacist is familiar with all these drugs, so make sure to share your list with both.

Ask the prescriber if it’s okay to drink grapefruit juice when taking solifenacin.

Tell other healthcare providers you are taking solifenacin before they prescribe new medications.