Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Flavoxate helps to relieve uncontrollable contraction (narrowing) of the bladder muscle, thus increasing the volume of urine your bladder can hold. This reduces any pain or discomfort. It helps to treat urinary symptoms such as:  

• Not being able to control when to empty your bladder, where you get a strong need to urinate with leaking or wetting incidence (urinary incontinence)
• A strong need to urinate right away (urgency)
• Urinating often (frequency)

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Glaucoma, a condition where the eye pressure is increased
• You are not able to empty your bladder (urinary retention)
• You have problems with your digestive system (example obstruction of the gut, bleeding)
• You have achalasia, a condition where you are unable to swallow medications

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Nausea
  • Take small but frequent meals, and avoid fatty or spicy food.
• Drowsiness
  • This may affect your ability to drive and use machinery. Do not drive or do activities which requires you to be alert.
• Dry mouth
  • Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free hard candies or ice chips, sip water regularly.
• Fast heartbeat (palpitation, tachycardia)
  • If these become bothersome, consult your doctor.
• Confusion (especially in the elderly)
  • If these become bothersome, consult your doctor.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of drowsiness.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on October 2022