Voxate

Voxate Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Voxate is a brand name. Its generic name is Flavoxate.

Voxate

Voxate is a synthetic compound used to relax the smooth muscle of the urinary bladder, enabling it to hold more urine and thus aiding relief of urinary frequency and urgency caused by bladder inflammation (cystitis). It also helps to reduce the sense of urgency and the amount of urine leakage.

Uses for Voxate

Voxate is primarily indicated for the treatment of bladder spasms, irritative bladder symptoms such as urinary frequency and discomfort, urgency, and nocturia, as well as for the treatment or prevention of dysuria following cystoscopy or radiation cystitis.

Mechanism of Action

Voxate causes relaxation of smooth muscle and exhibits anticholinergic activity by blocking the muscarinic action of acetylcholine, mainly on the bladder musculature. This reduces frequency of contracting detrusor and reduces smooth muscle spasms in overactive bladder (OAB).

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Voxate takes effect within one hour of ingestion, with the greatest improvement in symptoms at four hours, and symptom relief is usually maintained up to 24 to 48 hours.

Absorption

Voxate is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with an onset of action at 1 hour after oral administration. Peak plasma levels occur within 2 – 3 hours with a bioavailability of 73%. It is well distributed in the body, with an apparent volume of distribution of 0.46 L/kg.

Route of Elimination

Voxate is metabolized by the liver and mostly eliminated in the urine as inactive metabolites. The elimination half-life is 4 – 6 hours.

Dosage

The recommended starting dose of flavoxate is 100 mg three times a day, administered orally. Depending on individual response and symptom control, the dose can be increased to 200 mg three times a day. The maximum recommended daily dose is 600mg.

Administration

Voxate should be taken orally with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but taking with food may help to reduce digestive side effects.

Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of flavoxate include dry mouth, nausea, constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if any serious side effects occur, such as difficulty breathing or a rash.

Toxicity

In a study conducted in rats, the oral LD50 of flavoxate was >5000 mg/kg. No clinical cases of toxicity were reported.

Precautions

• Voxate should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal, cardiovascular, or hepatic function, or in those with urinary obstruction.
• It should not be used in combination with other drugs that impair urination.
• It should not be used in patients with hypersensitivity to flavoxate.

Interactions

Voxate may interact with other drugs, including antibiotics, antispasmodics, antihypertensives, diuretics, and other medications used to treat overactive bladder. It is important to check with your doctor before starting any new medications.

Disease Interactions

• Voxate should not be used in patients with glaucoma, ulcerative colitis, myasthenia gravis, bladder outflow obstruction, or intestinal obstruction.
• It may worsen symptoms if taken in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder neck obstruction.

Drug Interactions

• Voxate may increase the absorption and effects of other drugs, such as carbamazepine, warfarin, and digitalis glycosides.
• It may decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs, such as oxybutynin and tolterodine.
• It may also interact with other drugs used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as darifenacin, solifenacin, and fesoterodine.

Food Interactions

No food-related interactions are known to occur with flavoxate.

Pregnancy Use

Voxate is listed as a Pregnancy Category B medication, which means animal studies have revealed no evidence of harmful effects to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies available in pregnant women. Voxate should only be used if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks.

Lactation Use

It is unknown if flavoxate is secreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, women should not use flavoxate while nursing.

Acute Overdose

In the event of an acute overdose of flavoxate, symptomatic and supportive measures should be provided. Gastric lavage or emesis may be beneficial if performed within 1 hour of ingestion.

Contraindication

Voxate is contraindi

Here you find in details version of Voxate

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Voxate

What is Voxate?

Voxate is a prescription medication used to reduce muscle spasms caused by medical problems such as bladder or intestinal disorders or neurological disorders.

How does Voxate work?

Voxate works by inhibiting acetylcholine receptors, which help regulate involuntary muscle movement. This prevents spasms in the affected area and relieves symptoms.

What are the side effects of Voxate?

The most common side effects of Voxate are dry mouth, dizziness, headache, nausea, and constipation. Talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking Voxate.

Who should not take Voxate?

You should not take Voxate if you are allergic to flavoxate or any other components of the medication. You should also not take Voxate if you have a history of urinary retention, obstructive or paralytic urological conditions, or myasthenia gravis.

Can Voxate be used in elderly patients?

Yes, Voxate can be used in elderly patients. However, elderly patients are generally more sensitive to its side effects than younger patients, so they should be monitored closely for any adverse effects.

Is Voxate a habit forming drug?

No, Voxate is not a habit forming drug. It does not produce the same euphoria associated with habit-forming drugs, so it is not addictive.

What is the usual dosage of Voxate?

The usual starting dosage for flavoxate is one 200-mg tablet two to three times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on your response to the medication and your medical condition.

Should Voxate be taken on an empty stomach?

No, Voxate should not be taken on an empty stomach. It is best taken with food or a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.

Can Voxate be taken with other medications?

Yes, Voxate can be taken with other medications. However, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any other medications alongside Voxate, as certain drugs may interact with it in a negative way.

Is Voxate available over the counter?

No, Voxate is not available over the counter. It is a prescription medication and must be obtained from a doctor.

Can Voxate be used to treat urinary incontinence?

No, Voxate is not indicated to treat urinary incontinence and should not be used for that purpose.

Can Voxate be taken with alcohol?

No, it is not recommended that Voxate be taken with alcohol as it may increase the risk of certain side effects.

Can Voxate cause drowsiness?

Yes, Voxate can cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Voxate affects you.

Are there any long term side effects of taking Voxate?

No, there are no known long term side effects associated with taking Voxate. However, as with any medication, you should talk to your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

Can Voxate be used to treat bladder spasms?

Yes, Voxate has been approved for the treatment of bladder spasms. It works by inhibiting acetylcholine receptors, which help regulate involuntary muscle movement and can help relieve symptoms associated with bladder spasms.

Can Voxate be used to treat overactive bladder?

While Voxate is not specifically approved to treat overactive bladder, it may be prescribed off-label by your doctor if they believe it would help manage your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment for you.

What happens if I miss a dose of Voxate?

If you miss a dose of Voxate, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose.

Can Voxate be used in children?

Voxate has not been approved for use in children, so it is not recommended. If your child is experiencing bladder or intestinal disorders or neurological disorders, talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment.

Is Voxate safe for pregnant women?

No, Voxate is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment for you if you are pregnant.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Voxate?

If you experience an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or itching, stop taking Voxate immediately and seek medical attention.

Can Voxate cause weight gain?

No, Voxate has not been known to cause weight gain in people taking it as prescribed. However, if you experience any unusual changes in weight while taking Voxate, it is important to speak to your doctor.

What should I do if I experience dry mouth while taking Voxate?

If you experience dry mouth while taking Voxate, you can chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy to help stimulate saliva production. You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day.

What are the most common side effects of Voxate?

The most common side effects of Voxate are dry mouth, dizziness, headache, nausea, and constipation. If any of these side effects become severe or do not go away, talk to your doctor.

Can Voxate interact with other medications?

Yes, Voxate can interact with certain medications, such as antacids, certain antibiotics, and certain antifungals. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you may be taking before starting Voxate.

Should Voxate be taken at the same time each day?

It is not necessary to take Voxate at the same time each day, but it is important to take it regularly in order to maintain an effective level in your blood. Talk to your doctor about the best way to take your medication.

Can Voxate be split in half?

Yes, Voxate tablets can be cut or split in half. However, you should always take the entire dose as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the medication is working correctly.

Can Voxate be taken with other OTC medications?

Yes, Voxate can be taken with other OTC medications as long as they do not interact with each other. It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications, including OTC medications, while taking Voxate.

Can Voxate be taken with other supplements?

Yes, Voxate can be taken with other dietary supplements as long as they do not interact with each other. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other supplements while taking Voxate.

What are the long-term effects of taking Voxate?

There are no known long-term side effects associated with taking Voxate. However, as with any medication, you should talk to your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

Can Voxate cause muscle spasms?

No, Voxate does not cause muscle spasms. In fact, it works by inhibiting acetylcholine receptors, which can help reduce muscle spasms.

Can Voxate be taken with food?

Yes, Voxate can be taken with food or a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal. However, you should always talk to your doctor about the best way to take your medication.

Can Voxate be taken if I have glaucoma?

Yes, it is generally safe to take Voxate if you have glaucoma. However, you should always talk to your doctor before starting any medication, including Voxate, to make sure it is safe for you.

Can Voxate be used to treat pain?

No, Voxate is not indicated for the treatment of pain and should not be used for that purpose.

Can Voxate be taken for more than 3 days?

Yes, Voxate can be taken for more than 3 days if it is prescribed by your doctor. However, the length of treatment should be determined by your doctor based on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment.

Can Voxate cause liver damage?

No, it is not known to cause liver damage. However, you should always talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your liver while taking Voxate.

Will Voxate affect my ability to drive or operate heavy machinery?

Yes, Voxate can cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Voxate affects you.

Can Voxate cause kidney problems?

No, Voxate has not been known to cause kidney problems. However, if you have existing kidney problems, talk to your doctor before taking Voxate.

What should I do if I experience stomach upset while taking Voxate?

If you experience stomach upset while taking Voxate, try taking it with food or a full glass of water. You should also speak to your doctor if the stomach upset persists or worsens.

Will Voxate interact with other OTC medications or supplements?

Yes, Voxate may interact with certain OTC medications or supplements. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications, including OTC medications, while taking Voxate.

Can Voxate cause anxiety?

No, Voxate has not been known to cause anxiety in people taking it as prescribed. However, if you experience any signs of anxiety while taking Voxate, it is important to speak to your doctor.

What If I take too much Voxate?

If you accidentally take too much Voxate, you should seek medical help immediately. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing.