Generic name: solifenacin [ sol-ee-FEN-a-sin ]
Brand names: VESIcare, VESIcare LS
Dosage forms: oral suspension (1 mg/mL), oral tablet (10 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Urinary antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 14, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is solifenacin?

Solifenacin is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination, and incontinence (urine leakage).

Solifenacin oral suspension (liquid), Vesicare LS is used to treat overactive bladder caused by a neurologic disorder (such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury) in children at least 2 years old when other medicines cannot be used or have not worked.

Solifenacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Solifenacin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Solifenacin may cause serious side effects. Stop using solifenacin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, or constipation for 3 days or longer;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• headache, confusion, drowsiness, hallucinations;

• vision changes, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• little or no urination, pain or burning when you urinate;

• dehydration symptoms--dizziness, tiredness, feeling very thirsty or hot, decreased sweating, or hot and dry skin; or

• high potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects of solifenacin may include:

• blurred vision;

• dry mouth, dry eyes;

• painful urination;

• constipation; or

• heat stroke--decreased sweating, dry skin, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, feeling hot.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not use solifenacin if you have untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), or if you are unable to urinate.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use solifenacin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;

• a stomach disorder causing delayed emptying; or

• if you are unable to urinate.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• trouble emptying your bladder (or you have a weak stream of urine);

• slow digestion;

• a blockage in your stomach or intestines; or

• long QT syndrome.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using solifenacin.

How should I take solifenacin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Solifenacin is usually taken once per day with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it whole.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Take the tablet with water.

After taking solifenacin liquid drink a glass of water or milk. Avoid taking the liquid with food or other drinks or you may have a bitter aftertaste.

Store solifenacin in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away any unused liquid 28 days after you first opened the bottle.

Solifenacin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Incontinence:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once daily
Maintenance dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once daily

Use: For the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Frequency:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once daily
Maintenance dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once daily

Use: For the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency

What happens if I miss a dose?

Tablets: Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses on the same day.

Oral suspension: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking solifenacin?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how solifenacin will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Solifenacin can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

What other drugs will affect solifenacin?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect solifenacin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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