Fesoterodine: Uses, Interactions and Safety
Uses
Fesoterodine is an antimuscarinic treatment for overactive bladder in adults. It can help with urinary urgency, frequency and urge-related leakage. The medicine is converted to an active metabolite that relaxes the bladder. This summary follows the adult indication in European and Turkish product information; indications for children in some other countries are not assumed to apply.
Administration
Prolonged-release tablets are swallowed whole with liquid and may be taken with or without food. Do not crush or chew them. Benefit and tolerability should be reassessed after a suitable treatment period. Kidney and liver function and other medicines affect the appropriate prescription.
Safety
Do not use with urinary or gastric retention, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, severe hepatic impairment, severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon. Some formulations contain soya-derived ingredients; product-specific allergy restrictions matter. Other combinations of organ impairment and enzyme inhibitors are contraindicated or should be avoided. Tongue or throat swelling and breathing difficulty require stopping treatment and urgent medical attention.
Interactions
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin, itraconazole and ritonavir increase active-metabolite exposure. The allowable treatment is restricted, and combinations become contraindicated with certain kidney or liver impairment. Moderate inhibitors such as fluconazole need a different assessment and should not be labelled strong inhibitors. Rifampicin, carbamazepine and phenytoin can lower exposure; concurrent use is not recommended. Strong CYP2D6 inhibition can also increase exposure. Other antimuscarinics or tricyclic antidepressants can intensify dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. Fesoterodine can oppose the motility-promoting effect of metoclopramide.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Use is not recommended in pregnancy because adequate human evidence is lacking. Breastfeeding use is also not recommended in the reviewed European product information.
Adverse effects
Dry mouth and constipation are frequent concerns. Indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, dry eyes and dizziness may occur. Avoid driving if drowsy, dizzy or visually affected. Inability to urinate or serious abdominal symptoms needs prompt medical assessment.
Sources
Additional verified references
The linked Turkish profile contains the medicine record and its documented interaction list.