Common Side Effects
Enablex can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some of the more common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, and difficulty urinating.
Dry mouth and constipation are especially common because Enablex reduces the activity of acetylcholine, a chemical that affects not only the bladder but also other parts of the body. If these side effects become severe, persistent, or difficult to manage, contact your healthcare provider.
Urinary Retention
Enablex can make it more difficult for the bladder to empty completely. This may lead to urinary retention, which means urine remains in the bladder even though you feel the need to urinate.
The risk may be higher if you already have a condition that blocks the normal flow of urine, such as bladder outlet obstruction. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble starting urination, a weak urine stream, lower abdominal discomfort, or feel that your bladder is not empty after urinating.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Because Enablex can slow the movement of the digestive tract, it should be used carefully in people who already have conditions that reduce gastrointestinal motility.
The medication should not be used in people with gastric retention, a condition in which the stomach has difficulty emptying its contents. Severe constipation, abdominal swelling, or persistent abdominal pain should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Glaucoma
Enablex should not be used by people with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. The medication can affect pressure inside the eye and may worsen this condition.
If your narrow-angle glaucoma is being successfully treated and controlled, your healthcare provider may decide that Enablex can be used cautiously. Tell your healthcare provider about any history of glaucoma before starting treatment.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Rarely, Enablex can cause serious allergic reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis.
Angioedema causes sudden swelling under the skin and may affect the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If swelling affects the throat, it can make breathing or swallowing difficult. A serious allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention.
Medication Interactions
Darifenacin can interact with certain medications and change how Enablex works in your body. Some medicines can increase darifenacin levels, which may increase the risk of side effects.
Examples include strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and ritonavir. Other medications with anticholinergic effects may also increase problems such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, or urinary retention.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you use before starting Enablex.
Liver Problems
Darifenacin is mainly processed by the liver. If your liver does not work normally, the medication may remain in your body longer and increase the risk of side effects.
People with liver impairment may require special dosing considerations. Enablex is generally not recommended for people with severe liver impairment, while people with moderate impairment may need a lower maximum dose.
Make sure your healthcare provider knows if you have a history of liver disease before starting Enablex.
Kidney Problems
Kidney impairment generally does not require a specific Enablex dose adjustment. However, your healthcare provider should still know if you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function.
Your overall health, other medical conditions, and medications will be considered when determining whether Enablex is appropriate for you.
Pregnancy
There is limited information about the use of Enablex during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your healthcare provider before taking darifenacin.
Your healthcare provider can evaluate whether the potential benefits of treatment outweigh any possible risks during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
It is not clearly known how much darifenacin passes into human breast milk or how it may affect a nursing infant.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss this with your healthcare provider before taking Enablex. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Dizziness and Blurred Vision
Enablex may cause dizziness or blurred vision, particularly when you first begin treatment or after your dose is increased.
Until you know how the medication affects you, use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other activities that require clear vision and full alertness.
Alcohol and Other Sedating Substances
Alcohol may make some side effects, such as dizziness or reduced alertness, more noticeable. Other medications that cause drowsiness may have similar effects.
Use caution when drinking alcohol while taking Enablex, and ask your healthcare provider whether alcohol is appropriate for you based on your medications and health conditions.
Taking Too Much Enablex
Taking more Enablex than prescribed can increase anticholinergic effects. Symptoms may include severe dry mouth, blurred vision, flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat.
More serious symptoms may occur after a significant overdose. If you take more Enablex than prescribed or develop severe symptoms, seek medical attention or contact a poison control service promptly.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop persistent constipation, difficulty urinating, worsening vision problems, severe dizziness, or other symptoms that concern you.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe swelling of the face or throat, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction.
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