Urispas (flavoxate hydrochloride) is an antispasmodic agent specifically formulated to address the symptoms of overactive bladder and related urinary tract conditions. By directly targeting smooth muscle spasms within the bladder, it provides symptomatic relief from urgency, frequency, dysuria, and suprapubic pain. This medication is indicated for patients experiencing discomfort due to cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis, or other urologic disorders where spasmolytic action is clinically warranted. Its mechanism focuses on reducing involuntary contractions without anticholinergic side effects common to other therapies, offering a specialized approach to urologic symptom management.

Features

• Active ingredient: Flavoxate hydrochloride 100 mg per tablet
• Pharmacologic class: Urinary tract antispasmodic
• Direct action on detrusor muscle smooth muscle tissue
• Non-narcotic formulation with minimal central nervous system penetration
• Rapid onset of action with peak plasma concentrations within 2 hours
• Convenient oral administration with or without food

Benefits

• Reduces urinary urgency and frequency by decreasing bladder muscle spasms
• Alleviates dysuria (painful urination) and suprapubic discomfort
• Improves quality of life through better bladder control
• Provides targeted action with limited systemic side effects
• Enables normal daily activities without frequent bathroom interruptions
• Complements other urologic treatments when combined therapy is indicated

Common use

Urispas is primarily prescribed for the symptomatic relief of various urologic conditions characterized by bladder smooth muscle spasm. These include cystitis (both acute and chronic forms), prostatitis, urethritis, and urethrocystitis/urethrotrigonitis. It is particularly effective in managing the triad of symptoms: urgency, frequency, and dysuria. The medication may be used as monotherapy or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes antibiotics for infectious causes or other urologic medications. Clinical applications extend to postoperative care following urologic procedures where bladder spasm management is required.

Dosage and direction

The recommended adult dosage is one 100 mg tablet three or four times daily. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water and may be taken with or without food. Dosage adjustment may be necessary for elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment, though specific guidelines for these populations have not been formally established. Treatment duration typically ranges from short-term management of acute symptoms to longer-term therapy for chronic conditions, as determined by the prescribing physician based on symptom response and tolerability.

Precautions

Patients should be cautioned about potential dizziness or drowsiness that might impair mental or physical abilities required for hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Those with glaucoma should use Urispas with caution and under close medical supervision. Hepatic function monitoring may be advisable during extended therapy. Dehydration should be avoided as it may concentrate the medication and increase potential adverse effects. Pregnancy category B: no adequate human studies exist; use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Not recommended for nursing mothers due to unknown excretion in human milk.

Contraindications

Urispas is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to flavoxate hydrochloride or any component of the formulation. It should not be administered to individuals with gastrointestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus, intestinal atony, megacolon, or severe ulcerative colitis. Contraindicated in patients with obstructive uropathy or urinary retention where antispasmodic action might exacerbate the condition. Not indicated for pediatric use below 12 years of age due to insufficient safety and efficacy data.

Possible side effects

Common adverse reactions (occurring in >1% of patients) include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nervousness. Less frequent side effects may include tachycardia, palpitations, constipation, abdominal discomfort, urticaria, mental confusion (particularly in elderly patients), and eosinophilia. Ophthalmologic effects including increased ocular tension have been rarely reported. Most side effects are dose-dependent and often diminish with continued therapy or dosage reduction.

Drug interaction

Concomitant use with other anticholinergic agents may potentiate both therapeutic and adverse effects. CNS depressants including alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers may enhance sedative properties. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may intensify anticholinergic effects. Urispas may affect gastrointestinal motility and potentially alter absorption of other orally administered medications. No significant interactions have been documented with warfarin, digoxin, or oral contraceptives, though monitoring is advised when initiating combination therapy.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Consistent dosing is important for maintaining therapeutic effect, but occasional missed doses are unlikely to significantly impact overall treatment efficacy.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include exaggerated anticholinergic effects: severe dry mouth, blurred vision, tachycardia, palpitations, hot dry skin, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty urinating. In severe cases, CNS effects including confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or convulsions may occur. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion was recent. Activated charcoal may be administered. There is no specific antidote; hemodialysis is not likely to be effective due to high protein binding.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) with excursions permitted between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly discard any unused medication through medication take-back programs or according to local regulations.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual patient responses may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. The prescribing physician should be the ultimate source of information regarding appropriate use, dosing, and monitoring. This product is available by prescription only and should be used under proper medical supervision.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate Urispas provides significant improvement in overactive bladder symptoms compared to placebo, with particular efficacy in reducing urinary frequency and urgency. Patients report improved quality of life measures related to bladder control. Physicians note its value as an adjunct therapy in comprehensive urologic management. The favorable side effect profile compared to anticholinergic alternatives is frequently cited as a treatment advantage. Long-term users appreciate the consistent symptom control with minimal development of tolerance.