Enablex (Darifenacin)

Enablex (Darifenacin) Medication Information

Uses

Enablex (darifenacin) is a medication prescribed to treat overactive bladder with urinary urgency and frequency symptoms.  

Overactive bladder is when urine is forced out of your bladder at the wrong time.  According to the National Institute of Health, you may have overactive bladder if you have two or more of the following symptoms:

• Urinating 8 or more times during the day or 2 or more times during the night
• Having a sudden, urgent need to urinate immediately
• Leaking urine after a sudden urge to urinate

Enablex treats these urges to urinate by blocking receptors in your bladder muscles.  When these receptors are blocked, bladder contractions are reduced, and the symptoms of urgency and frequency may get better or go away.

Dosage

Enablex (darifenacin) tablets are available in two strengths: 7.5 milligrams (mg) and 15 mg.

The usual starting dose is 7.5 mg once daily with water.  It doesn’t matter if you take Enablex with or without food.

Your doctor may increase your dose to 15 mg once daily after two weeks of treatment based on your response to the medication, depending on your health and other medications.  

Be sure to follow your doctor’s directions exactly.  

Precautions

Enablex (darifenacin) is not safe for everyone with an overactive bladder.  You should not take Darifenacin if you have the following conditions:

• Urinary retention (unable to empty your bladder)
• Gastric retention (delayed or slow emptying of your stomach) 
• Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
• Prior allergic reaction to Enablex

Enablex should be used with caution in people with certain conditions, such as:

• Bladder obstruction
• Certain types of controlled glaucoma
• Liver problems
• Myasthenia gravis
• Severe constipation
• Ulcerative colitis 
• Pregnancy or plan to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Side Effects

In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Enablex (darifenacin) were: 

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision

Be careful driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Enablex affects you.  For more side effect information on Enablex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

Other medications may interact with Enablex and affect how your body metabolizes this medicine.  Dosage adjustments by your doctor may be necessary when Enablex is prescribed with certain interacting drugs.  A few examples include:

• Amitriptyline and other Tricyclic Antidepressants
• Clarithromycin
• Flecainide
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
• Nefazodone
• Ritonavir

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your current medications or any new medications you may start while taking Enablex.  

Storage

Store at room temperature (25°C/77° F) in a sealed container, protected from light.

Pharmacists Tips

• Take Enablex around the same time each day, with or without food.
• Enablex tablets should be swallowed whole; do not crush, chew, or cut in half.
• You may sweat less while taking Enablex.  This could increase your risk of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.  Take precautions if you are exposed to a hot environment while taking Enablex.

Enablex FAQs

How long will it take for Enablex to help me?

You should start to see an improvement in your urinary urgency and frequency within the first two weeks of taking Enablex.  If you don’t, talk with your doctor.  They may increase your dose, depending on your response and health.

What should I avoid while taking Enablex?

Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when starting Enablex until you know how it affects you.  Some people may experience dizziness and blurred vision.

Related Drugs

• Detrol LA
• Ditropan XL
• Oxytrol
• Sanctura
• Toviaz
• Vesicare

References

1. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet] Johns Creek (GA): Ebix, Inc., A.D.A.M; c1997-2020.  Overactive Bladder. [updated September 15, 2016]  https://medlineplus.gov/overactivebladder.html  Accessed December 6, 2020