Darifen ER

Darifenacin is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency.

Darifenacin is a potent, competitive and selective muscarinic receptor antagonist which has greater binding affinity for muscarinic M3 receptors. M3 receptors are involved in the contraction of the detrusor muscle of the bladder, GI smooth muscle, saliva production, and iris sphincter function. Darifenacin may increase volume threshold in patients with involuntary detrusor contraction, thus increase bladder capacity.

Darifenacin has known drug-drug interaction with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir etc.). The concomitant use of Darifenacin with other anticholinergic agents may increase the frequency and/or severity of dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and other anticholinergic pharmacological effects.

The most common side effects are dry mouth & constipation. Other less commonly reported side effects include- abnormal vision, back pain, dry skin, hypertension, vomiting, peripheral edema, weight gain, arthralgia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, rash, pruritus, urinary tract disorder and vaginitis.

Pregnancy Category C. Darifenacin should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: It is not known whether Darifenacin is excreted into human milk and therefore caution should be exercised before Darifenacin is administered to a nursing woman.

Darifenacin should be used with caution in the patient at risk for urinary retention & decreased gastrointestinal motility, with impaired renal & hepatic impairment.

BPH/ Urinary retention/ Urinary incontinence

Overdosage with antimuscarinic agents can result in severe antimuscarinic effects. ECG monitoring is recommended when event of overdosage is occurred. Darifenacin has been administered in clinical trials at doses up to 75 mg (five times the maximum therapeutic dose) and signs of overdose were limited to abnormal vision.

Store at 25° C. Protect from light.