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Darifenacin
Darifenacin is a prescription drug that is used for relieving common symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as urinary incontinence and frequent urination. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles, which can help reduce frequent muscle contractions. Darifenacin comes in tablet form and is generally taken once daily. Most people tolerate the drug well, but side effects can include nausea, headache, and constipation.
Darifenacin (Enablex®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of overactive bladder. Specifically, it is approved to help treat the following overactive bladder symptoms:
- Frequent urination (usually defined as needing to go more than eight times in 24 hours)
- Sudden, frequent urges to urinate
- Leaking accidents (known as urinary incontinence or urge incontinence).
(Click What Is Darifenacin Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with darifenacin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of darifenacin include but are not limited to:
- Dry mouth (see Enablex and Dry Mouth)
- Constipation (see Enablex and Constipation)
- Headaches
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Nausea.
(Click Side Effects of Darifenacin to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD