Vesicare (solifenacin succinate)

Dosage of solifenacin succinate is expressed in terms of the salt.

For the management of overactive bladder, the recommended dosage of solifenacin succinate in adults is 5 mg once daily. If well tolerated, dosage may be increased to 10 mg once daily.

Solifenacin succinate is administered orally once daily without regard to meals. Solifenacin succinate tablets should be administered with liquids and swallowed whole.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Agents Affecting Growth Hormone/Macimorelin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents affecting growth hormone may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin diagnostic test.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of agents affecting growth hormone may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin diagnostic test.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of macimorelin states concurrent use with agents affecting growth hormone may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin diagnostic test. Discontinue growth hormone products at least 1 week before administering the macimorelin diagnostic test. Sufficient washout time of drugs affecting growth hormone release prior to administration of macimorelin is recommended.(1) Agents affecting growth hormone include: - Drugs that directly affect the pituitary secretion of growth hormone (e.g. somatostatin, insulin, glucocorticoids, cyclooxygenase inhibitors) - Drugs that may transiently elevate growth hormone concentrations (e.g. clonidine, levodopa, insulin) - Drugs that may blunt the growth hormone response (e.g. muscarinic antagonists, anti-thyroid medications, growth hormone products)

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of agents affecting growth hormone may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin diagnostic test.(1)

Anticholinergics/Secretin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Anticholinergic drugs may result in an incorrect secretin stimulation test result.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs may impact the accuracy of the secretin stimulation test.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of human secretin states concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs at the time of stimulation testing may cause the patient to be hyporesponsive to the testing and suggest false positive results for pancreatic disease. The manufacturer recommends discontinuing anticholinergic drugs at least 5 half-lives prior to stimulation testing. Consider additional testing and clinical assessment for diagnosis.(1)

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs may impact the accuracy of the secretin stimulation test.(1)

Anticholinergics; Antispasmodics/Pramlintide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Pramlintide slows gastric emptying. Anticholinergics and antispasmodics may result in additive or synergistic effects on gastric emptying.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of pramlintide and anticholinergics or antispasmodics may result in additive or synergistic effects on gastric emptying.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of pramlintide states that pramlintide therapy should not be considered in patients requiring the use of drugs that alter gastrointestinal motility.(1) Patients receiving anticholinergics and antispasmodics should be evaluated for signs of systemic effects which may include constipation.

DISCUSSION: Patients using drugs that alter gastrointestinal motility have not been studied in clinical trials for pramlintide.(1) Constipation has been reported as a side effect of anticholinergics and antispasmodics.

Solifenacin (> 5 Mg)/Strong Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of solifenacin.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of and signs of toxicity from solifenacin.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US and Swedish manufacturers of solifenacin state the daily dose should be limited to 5 mg in adults and should not exceed the starting dose in children and adolescents when administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. The starting dose of solifenacin is 2 mg for patients weighing up to 15 kg, 3 mg for patients over 15 kg to 45 kg, 4 mg for patients over 45 kg to 60 kg, and 5 mg for patients over 60 kg.(1,24) The Swedish manufacturer of the combination product of tamsulosin-solifenacin states that the daily dose of solifenacin should not exceed 6 mg in patients receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.(3) The US manufacturer of itraconazole states that concurrent use with solifenacin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment during and two weeks after itraconazole treatment.(5)

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of ketoconazole (400 mg daily for 21 days) increased the Cmax and AUC of solifenacin (10 mg) by 1.5-fold and 2.7-fold,respectively.(1) Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: adagrasib, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, ensitrelvir, grapefruit, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, paritaprevir, posaconazole, relacorilant, ribociclib, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tipranavir, troleandomycin, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(6)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Anticholinergics/Clozapine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clozapine has potent anticholinergic properties and inhibits serotonin receptors, including 5-HT3.(1-4) Both of these properties may cause inhibition of gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle contraction, resulting in decreased peristalsis.(3,4) These effects may be compounded by concurrent use of anticholinergic agents.(1-6)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clozapine with other anticholinergic agents may increase the risk of constipation (common) and serious bowel complications (uncommon), including complete bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, paralytic ileus and intestinal ischemia or infarction.(1-6)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for serious bowel complications is higher with increasing age, higher frequency of constipation, and in patients on higher doses of clozapine or multiple anticholinergic agents.(1,5)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of other anticholinergic agents with clozapine.(1-6) If concurrent use is necessary, evaluate the patient's bowel function regularly. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and GI hypomotility, including having bowel movements less than three times weekly or less than usual, difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or distention.(2) Consider a prophylactic laxative in those with a history of constipation or bowel obstruction.(2) Review patient medication list for other anticholinergic agents. When possible, decrease the dosage or number of prescribed anticholinergic agents, particularly in the elderly. Counsel the patient about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. Encourage regular exercise and eating a high-fiber diet.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a prospective cohort study of 26,720 schizophrenic patients in the Danish Central Psychiatric Research Registry, the odds ratio (OR) for ileus was 1.99 with clozapine and 1.48 with anticholinergics. The OR for fatal ileus was 6.73 with clozapine and 5.88 with anticholinergics. Use of anticholinergics with 1st generation antipsychotics (FGA) increased the risk of ileus compare to FGA alone, but this analysis was not done with clozapine.(5) A retrospective cohort study of 24,970 schizophrenic patients from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database found that the hazard ratio (HR) for clozapine-induced constipation increased from 1.64 when clozapine is used alone, to 2.15 when used concomitantly with anticholinergics. However, there was no significant difference in the HR for ileus when clozapine is used with and without anticholinergics (1.95 and 2.02, respectively).(6) In the French Pharmacovigilance Database, 7 of 38 cases of antipsychotic-associated ischemic colitis or intestinal necrosis involved clozapine, and 5 of these cases involved use of concomitant anticholinergic agents. Three patients died, one of whom was on concomitant anticholinergics.(3) In a case series, 4 of 9 cases of fatal clozapine-associated GI dysfunction involved concurrent anticholinergic agents.(4)

Anticholinergics/Glucagon (Diagnostic)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Glucagon and anticholinergic agents may have additive effects on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of glucagon with anticholinergic agents may increase the risk of gastrointestinal hypomotility, including constipation and bowel complications.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of glucagon as a diagnotic aid is not recommended with the use of anticholinergic agents.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, evaluate the patient's bowel function. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and gastrointestinal hypomotility.

DISCUSSION: Both glucagon and anticholinergic agents may have additive effects on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility and increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects.(1)

Anticholinergics/Solid Oral Potassium Capsules

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concentrated potassium may damage the lining of the GI tract. Anticholinergics delay gastric emptying, resulting in the potassium product remaining in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time.(1-16))

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of solid oral dosage forms of potassium in patients treated with anticholinergics may result in gastrointestinal erosions, ulcers, stenosis and bleeding.(1-16)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Diseases or conditions which may increase risk for GI damage include: preexisting dysphagia, strictures, cardiomegaly, diabetic gastroparesis, elderly status, or insufficient oral intake to allow dilution of potassium.(1-10,21) Other drugs which may add to risk for GI damage include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, or tetracyclines.(21)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Regulatory agency and manufacturer recommendations regarding this interaction: - In the US, all solid oral dosage forms (including tablets and extended release capsules) of potassium are contraindicated in patients receiving anticholinergics at sufficient dosages to result in systemic effects.(2-8) Patients receiving such anticholinergic therapy should use a liquid form of potassium chloride.(2) - In Canada, solid oral potassium is contraindicated in any patient with a cause for arrest or delay in tablet/capsule passage through the gastrointestinal tract and the manufacturers recommend caution with concurrent anticholinergic medications.(1,9-10) Evaluate each patient for predisposing factors which may increase risk for GI damage. In patients with multiple risk factors for harm, consider use of liquid potassium supplements, if tolerated. For patients receiving concomitant therapy, assure any potassium dose form is taken after meals with a large glass of water or other fluid. To decrease potassium concentration in the GI tract, limit each dose to 20 meq; if more than 20 meq daily is required, give in divided doses.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, distention, severe vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, there was a higher incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions in patients receiving a high dose of a wax-matrix controlled-release formulation with a concurrent anticholinergic agent. The lesions were asymptomatic and not accompanied by bleeding, as shown by a lack of positive Hemoccult tests.(1-17) Several studies suggest that the incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions may be less with the microencapsulated formulation of potassium chloride.(14-17)

Anticholinergics/Solid Oral Potassium Tablets

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concentrated potassium may damage the lining of the GI tract. Anticholinergics delay gastric emptying, resulting in the potassium product remaining in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time.(1-16)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of solid oral dosage forms of potassium in patients treated with anticholinergics may result in gastrointestinal erosions, ulcers, stenosis and bleeding.(1-16)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Diseases or conditions which may increase risk for GI damage include: preexisting dysphagia, strictures, cardiomegaly, diabetic gastroparesis, elderly status, or insufficient oral intake to allow dilution of potassium.(1-10,21) Other drugs which may add to risk for GI damage include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, or tetracyclines.(21)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Regulatory agency and manufacturer recommendations regarding this interaction: - In the US, all solid oral dosage forms (including tablets and extended release capsules) of potassium are contraindicated in patients receiving anticholinergics at sufficient dosages to result in systemic effects.(2-8) Patients receiving such anticholinergic therapy should use a liquid form of potassium chloride.(2) - In Canada, solid oral potassium is contraindicated in any patient with a cause for arrest or delay in tablet/capsule passage through the gastrointestinal tract and the manufacturers recommend caution with concurrent anticholinergic medications.(1,9-10) Evaluate each patient for predisposing factors which may increase risk for GI damage. In patients with multiple risk factors for harm, consider use of liquid potassium supplements, if tolerated. For patients receiving concomitant therapy, assure any potassium dose form is taken after meals with a large glass of water or other fluid. To decrease potassium concentration in the GI tract, limit each dose to 20 meq; if more than 20 meq daily is required, give in divided doses.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, distention, severe vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, there was a higher incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions in patients receiving a high dose of a wax-matrix controlled-release formulation with a concurrent anticholinergic agent. Some lesions were asymptomatic and not accompanied by bleeding, as shown by a lack of positive Hemoccult tests.(1-17) Several studies suggest that the incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions may be less with the microencapsulated formulation of potassium chloride.(14-17)

Anticholinergics; Opioids/Eluxadoline

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Eluxadoline is a mixed mu-opioid and kappa-opioid agonist and delta-opioid antagonist and may alter or slow down gastrointestinal transit.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Constipation related adverse events that sometimes required hospitalization have been reported, including the development of intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, and fecal impaction.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid use with other drugs that may cause constipation. If concurrent use is necessary, evaluate the patient's bowel function regularly. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and GI hypomotility, including having bowel movements less than three times weekly or less than usual, difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or distention.(1) Instruct patients to stop eluxadoline and immediately contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe constipation. Loperamide may be used occasionally for acute management of severe diarrhea, but must be discontinued if constipation develops.(1)

DISCUSSION: In phase 3 clinical trials, constipation was the most commonly reported adverse reaction (8%). Approximately 50% of constipation events occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment while the majority occurred within the first 3 months of therapy. Rates of severe constipation were less than 1% in patients receiving eluxadoline doses of 75 mg and 100 mg.(1)

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Anticholinergics/Topiramate

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Topiramate can cause decreased sweating and elevated body temperature. Agents with anticholinergic activity can predispose patients to heat-related disorders.(1-2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of topiramate with agents with anticholinergic activity may increase the incidence of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia, especially in pediatric or adolescent patients.(1-2) Overheating and dehydration can lead to brain damage and death.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Pediatric and adolescent patients and patients with dehydration may be more likely to experience heat-related disorders.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of topiramate states that caution should be used when topiramate is prescribed with other medicinal products that predispose to heat-related disorders, such as agents with anticholinergic activity (e.g. clomipramine, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, haloperidol, imipramine, and oxybutynin) concurrently with zonisamide.(1) Monitor for signs and symptoms of heat stroke: skin feels very hot with little or no sweating, confusion, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, or rapid breathing. Monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration: dry mouth, urinating less than usual, dark-colored urine, dry skin, feeling tired, dizziness, or irritability. If signs or symptoms of dehydration, oligohidrosis, or elevated body temperature occur, discontinuation of zonisamide should be considered.

DISCUSSION: Case reports of decreased sweating and elevated temperature have been reported, especially in pediatric patients. Some cases resulted in heat stroke that required hospital treatment.(1) A 64-year old woman developed non-exertional hyperthemia while taking multiple psychiatric medications with topiramate.(2)

Anticholinergics/Zonisamide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Zonisamide can cause decreased sweating and elevated body temperature. Agents with anticholinergic activity can predispose patients to heat-related disorders.(1-2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of zonisamide with agents with anticholinergic activity may increase the incidence of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia, especially in pediatric or adolescent patients.(1-2) Overheating and dehydration can lead to brain damage and death.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Pediatric and adolescent patients and patients with dehydration may be more likely to experience heat-related disorders.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK and US manufacturers of zonisamide state that caution should be used in adults when zonisamide is prescribed with other medicinal products that predispose to heat-related disorders, such as agents with anticholinergic activity.(1-2) Pediatric and adolescent patients must not take anticholinergic agents (e.g. clomipramine, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, haloperidol, imipramine, and oxybutynin) concurrently with zonisamide.(1) Monitor for signs and symptoms of heat stroke: skin feels very hot with little or no sweating, confusion, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, or rapid breathing. Monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration: dry mouth, urinating less than usual, dark-colored urine, dry skin, feeling tired, dizziness, or irritability. If signs or symptoms of dehydration, oligohidrosis, or elevated body temperature occur, discontinuation of zonisamide should be considered.

DISCUSSION: Case reports of decreased sweating and elevated temperature have been reported, especially in pediatric patients. Some cases resulted in heat stroke that required hospital treatment and resulted in death.(1)

Solifenacin (<= 5 Mg)/Strong Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of solifenacin.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of and signs of toxicity from solifenacin.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US and Swedish manufacturers of solifenacin state the daily dose should be limited to 5 mg in adults and should not exceed the starting dose in children and adolescents when administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. The starting dose of solifenacin is 2 mg for patients weighing up to 15 kg, 3 mg for patients over 15 kg to 45 kg, 4 mg for patients over 45 kg to 60 kg, and 5 mg for patients over 60 kg.(1,2) The Swedish manufacturer of the combination product of tamsulosin-solifenacin states that the daily dose of solifenacin should not exceed 6 mg in patients receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.(3)

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of ketoconazole (400 mg daily for 21 days) increased the Cmax and AUC of solifenacin (10 mg) by 1.5-fold and 2.7-fold,respectively.(1) Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: adagrasib, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, ensitrelvir, grapefruit, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, paritaprevir, posaconazole, relacorilant, ribociclib, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tipranavir, troleandomycin, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(4)

Urinary retention, gastric retention, or uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma.

Known hypersensitivity to solifenacin succinate or any ingredient in the formulation.

• Child-pugh class C hepatic impairment
• Gastric retention
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Urinary retention

• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Bladder outflow obstruction
• Child-pugh class B hepatic impairment
• Chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe) GFR 15-29 ml/min
• Chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure) GFr<15 ml/min
• Disease of liver
• Gastrointestinal hypomotility

There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.

Adverse effects reported in 5% or more of patients receiving solifenacin and at an incidence higher than that reported with placebo included dry mouth and constipation.

Rare or Very Rare

• Abnormal hepatic function tests
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema
• Atrial fibrillation
• Erythema multiforme
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Gastrointestinal hypomotility
• Hallucinations
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypertension
• Ileus
• Increased alanine transaminase
• Increased aspartate transaminase
• Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
• Peripheral edema

More Frequent

• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Dry eye
• Urinary tract infection
• Xerostomia

Less Frequent

• Dizziness
• Dyspepsia
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Upper abdominal pain

Rare or Very Rare

• Accidental fall
• Acute abdominal pain
• Acute cognitive impairment
• Anorexia
• Anticholinergic toxicity
• Cough
• Delirium
• Depression
• Drowsy
• Dry nose
• Dry skin
• Dysgeusia
• Flu-like symptoms
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Glaucoma
• Headache disorder
• Muscle weakness
• Palpitations
• Pharyngitis
• Pruritus of skin
• Sialoadenitis
• Skin rash
• Tachycardia
• Urinary retention
• Urticaria
• Voice change
• Vomiting

No enhanced messaging available.

Safety and efficacy of solifenacin have not been established in children younger than 18 years of age.

Category C. (See Users Guide.)

Distributed into milk in mice; not known whether solifenacin is distributed into human milk. Discontinue nursing or the drug.

Prolonged half-life and increased plasma concentrations have been reported in geriatric patients. However, no substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults have been observed.