Enablex

Enablex is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as leaking accidents and frequent urination. By relaxing the bladder muscles, the drug helps reduce the frequent and uncontrollable bladder contractions that can result in symptoms. Enablex comes in tablet form and is taken once a day. Side effects can include dry mouth, constipation, and nausea.

 

What Is Enablex?

Enablex® (darifenacin) 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 Enablex Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
   

Who Makes Enablex?

Enablex is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
 

How Does Enablex Work?

Enablex belongs to a group of medications known as antimuscarinics or anticholinergics. It works by blocking specific receptors in the bladder, called muscarinic receptors, which helps the muscles of the bladder to relax. Since an overactive bladder is often due to muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable, Enablex can help relieve many of the related symptoms.
 

Effects of Enablex

Studies have shown Enablex to be effective in relieving many of the symptoms of an overactive bladder. In clinical studies, people who took the drug significantly reduced the frequency of wetting accidents. In addition, people who took Enablex used the bathroom less frequently and were able to pass more urine each time (the frequent muscle contractions of an overactive bladder usually prevent the bladder from holding a normal amount of urine).
 

When and How to Take Enablex

General considerations for when and how to take Enablex include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken just once a day.
     
  • You can take Enablex with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Enablex should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • Because Enablex is an extended-release medication, it should be swallowed whole with liquids. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Enablex will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for Enablex

The dose of Enablex that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to Enablex
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Enablex Dosage for more information.)
  

Side Effects of Enablex

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Enablex. 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 Enablex include but are not limited to:
 
 
(Click Enablex Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
  

Drug Interactions With Enablex

Enablex may potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Enablex Drug Interactions). 
 

Enablex: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Enablex if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Enablex Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
  

What If I Take an Overdose of Enablex?

An Enablex overdose would be likely to cause the usual side effects, but perhaps more severely. In some cases, the symptoms may become dangerous.
 
If you happen to overdose on Enablex, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Enablex Overdose for more information.)
  

How Should Enablex Be Stored?

Enablex should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep Enablex and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Enablex?

If you do not take your Enablex as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Enablex

Enablex extended-release tablets come in the following strengths:
 
  • Enablex 7.5 mg
  • Enablex 15 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Enablex?

Currently, there is no generic version of Enablex licensed for sale (see Generic Enablex).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;