Urilax

Indications

Flavoxate Hydrochloride is used to relieve bladder symptoms such as painful urination, urgency (a sudden strong need to pass urine), frequent urination, night time urination and lower abdominal discomfort. These symptoms may occur with cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis or after urinary tract procedures. It eases symptoms but does not treat infection, so an antibiotic may also be needed.

How It Works

Flavoxate relaxes the smooth muscle of the bladder and urinary tract. This reduces spasms, increases the amount of urine the bladder can comfortably hold and lowers the urge to pass urine often.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children over 12 years: usually 200 mg three or four times a day. The dose may be lowered once symptoms improve. Swallow the tablet with water, with or without food. Not recommended for children under 12 years.

Interactions

• Other anticholinergic medicines, sedating antihistamines and tricyclic antidepressants may increase dry mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness.
• Alcohol and sedatives may increase drowsiness.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Flavoxate.
• Blockage of the stomach outlet, bowel obstruction or paralysis of the bowel.
• Bleeding from the stomach or bowel.
• Achalasia (difficulty swallowing due to a tight food pipe).
• Blockage of the lower urinary tract, such as a severely enlarged prostate.

Side Effects

Possible effects include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, blurred vision, headache, nervousness, fast heartbeat, skin rash and, rarely, confusion in older people.

Get urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, have severe eye pain with blurred vision, a very fast heartbeat, confusion, or swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. Use only if your doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

• Use with care in glaucoma or if you are at risk of it.
• It may cause drowsiness or blurred vision; do not drive if affected.
• See a doctor if symptoms do not improve or if fever or blood in the urine appears.

Overdose

Overdose may cause dry mouth, flushing, fast heartbeat, confusion, agitation and difficulty passing urine. Seek medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Urinary antispasmodic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.