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Flavoxate

Precautions

Before taking flavoxate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, bleeding, ileus, infection, acid-reflux disease, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis), heart problems (such as fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure), a certain eye condition (glaucoma), kidney problems, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medication can cause decreased sweating. To reduce the risk of a serious reaction to too much heat (heatstroke), avoid becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas, or during exercise or other strenuous activities.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness (more likely when standing up), drowsiness, constipation, trouble urinating, or confusion. Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and nervousness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting/constipation that doesn't go away, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), eye pain, chest pain, fast/pounding heartbeat, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), difficult/painful urination.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.