FLAVOXATE HYDROCHLORIDE
(fla-vox'ate)
Urispas
Classifications: autonomic nervous system agent; anticholinergic (parasympatholytic); antispasmodic
Prototype: Atropine
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

100 mg tablets

Actions

Exerts spasmolytic (papaverine-like) action on smooth muscle. Reported to produce an increase in urinary bladder capacity in patients with spastic bladder, possibly by direct action on detrusor muscle. Also demonstrates local anesthetic and analgesic action.

Therapeutic Effects

Has antispasmotic action on the urinary bladder.

Uses

Symptomatic relief of dysuria, frequency, urgency, nocturia, incontinence, and suprapubic pain associated with various urologic disorders.

Contraindications

Pyloric or duodenal obstruction, obstructive intestinal lesions, ileus, achalasia, GI hemorrhage; obstructive uropathies of lower urinary tract. Safety during pregnancy (category C) or in children <12 y is not established.

Cautious Use

Suspected glaucoma.

Route & Dosage

Dysuria, Nocturia, Incontinence
Adult: PO 100–200 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d.

Administration

Oral

Give without regard to meals.
Store at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F) unless otherwise directed.

Adverse Effects (1%)

CNS: Headache, vertigo, drowsiness, mental confusion (especially in older adults). CV: Palpitation, tachycardia. Special Senses: Blurred vision, increased intraocular tension, disturbances of eye accommodation. GI: Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth (and throat), constipation (with high doses). Skin: Dermatosis, urticaria. Other: Dysuria, hyperpyrexia, eosinophilia, leukopenia (rare).

Interactions

Drug: May antagonize the GI motility effects of metoclopramide.

Pharmacokinetics

Elimination: 10–30% excreted in urine within 6 h.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Monitor heart rate. Take apical pulse for 1 full minute. Report tachycardia.
Lab tests: Obtain periodic evaluation of blood counts during therapy.

Patient & Family Education

Do not drive or engage in potentially hazardous activities until response to drug is known.
Report adverse reactions to physician as well as clinical improvement or the lack of a favorable response.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug