Flavoxate Hydrochloride
Pronunciation: fluh-VOX-ate.
- Generic name
- Flavoxate hydrochloride
- Brand names
- Flavoxate, GenRx Flavoxate, Flavospas, Urispas, Voxate, Flavoxate Sandoz
- Drug class
- Urogenital & Renal System
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Flavoxate hydrochloride is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Flavoxate hydrochloride works
Flavoxate is a synthetic urinary antispasmodic agent with anticholinergic properties. It acts primarily by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle of the urinary tract, leading to muscle relaxation and reduced spasms. This action helps alleviate symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and pain associated with bladder disorders. (1)
What Flavoxate hydrochloride is used for
Relief of symptoms of bladder spasm
Relief of symptoms of bladder spasm (2)
Dysuria (painful urination)
Dysuria (painful urination) (2)
Urgency (sudden need to urinate)
Urgency (sudden need to urinate) (2)
Nocturia (frequent urination at night)
Nocturia (frequent urination at night) (2)
Suprapubic pain (pain above the pubic bone)
Suprapubic pain (pain above the pubic bone) (2)
Before taking Flavoxate hydrochloride
Do not take / not appropriate for
- hypersensitivity to flavoxate, obstructive uropathy (e.g., urinary retention), gastrointestinal obstruction, and uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Flavoxate hydrochloride
- General Instructions: Take flavoxate exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less than directed.. Adult Dosing: The typical adult dose is 100–200 mg orally, three to four times daily. Dosage may be adjusted based on response and tolerability.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children under 12 years have not been established. Use in adolescents (12 years and older) should be under specialist supervision.. Administration: Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. May be taken with or without food.. When To Stop: Continue taking until your healthcare provider advises you to stop. If you experience severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop flavoxate.. Storage: Store at room temperature (68–77°F or 20–25°C), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dry mouth
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Drowsiness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Blurred vision
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat)
(1)Eye pain or vision changes, especially if you have (or are at risk of) narrow-angle glaucoma
(2)Inability to urinate or worsening urinary retention
(1)Serious warnings
May cause drowsiness or blurred vision — serious
Symptoms: May cause drowsiness or blurred vision; use caution with activities requiring alertness. Not recommended for use in patients with obstructive uropathy or gastrointestinal obstruction. Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of confusion and sedation. May worsen symptoms of glaucoma; regular eye monitoring may be necessary. Not a substitute for antibacterial therapy in urinary tract infections.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to flavoxate, obstructive uropathy (e.g., urinary retention), gastrointestinal obstruction, and uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Use with caution in elderly patients, those with hepatic or renal impairment, and patients with a history of prostatic hypertrophy or autonomic neuropathy.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
The FDA label specifies the gastrointestinal obstruction contraindication in more detail — serious
Symptoms: The FDA label specifies the gastrointestinal obstruction contraindication in more detail: pyloric or duodenal obstruction, intestinal obstruction (including from any cause), achalasia, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, in addition to lower urinary tract obstruction.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Flavoxate may interact with other anticholinergic drugs, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain medications for Parkinson's disease, increasing the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, or confusion. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The FDA label classifies flavoxate as Pregnancy Category B: animal reproduction studies have not shown evidence of fetal harm, though there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Discuss use during pregnancy with your healthcare provider. (2)
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether flavoxate is excreted in human breast milk. The FDA label advises caution when giving flavoxate to a nursing mother. Discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider before use. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2)
Renal_impairment
The clinician database advises general caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. Neither source reviewed gives a specific dose-adjustment regimen for renal or hepatic impairment; this remains a genuine gap — use with clinician oversight. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The clinician database advises general caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. Neither source reviewed gives a specific dose-adjustment regimen for renal or hepatic impairment; this remains a genuine gap — use with clinician oversight. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, 20-25°C (68-77°F), in a tight, light-resistant container, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Relief of symptoms of bladder spasm
Dose summary: FDA label: one or two 100 mg tablets, 3-4 times daily; dose may be reduced once symptoms improve.
Renal context: No specific renal- or hepatic-impairment dose-adjustment regimen is given in either source reviewed; general caution advised. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is flavoxate used for?
Flavoxate is used to relieve symptoms of bladder and urinary tract disorders, such as frequent urination, urgency, pain, and incontinence caused by bladder spasms.
How quickly does flavoxate work?
Most people begin to notice symptom relief within a few hours to a few days after starting flavoxate. Full benefits may take several days.
Can I take flavoxate if I have glaucoma?
Flavoxate is not recommended for people with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, as it may worsen the condition. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
Is flavoxate safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Flavoxate is FDA Pregnancy Category B: animal studies have not shown evidence of fetal harm, but there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and it is not known whether flavoxate passes into breast milk. Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Can children take flavoxate?
Flavoxate is generally not recommended for children under 12 years. Use in adolescents should be supervised by a specialist.
What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or signs of an allergic reaction; let the treating clinician or emergency team decide on continuing or stopping flavoxate.
Does flavoxate cure urinary tract infections?
No, flavoxate does not treat the underlying infection. It only relieves symptoms. If you have a urinary tract infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in addition to flavoxate.
What happens if I take too much Flavoxate?
Taking too much Flavoxate can lead to exaggerated anticholinergic effects such as severe dry mouth, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty urinating. In cases of suspected overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or self-treat. Prompt professional evaluation is necessary to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Flavoxate?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Flavoxate. As an anticholinergic agent, Flavoxate can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Alcohol can exacerbate these central nervous system depressant effects, increasing the risk of impaired coordination, sedation, and accidents. Discuss alcohol use with your healthcare provider to understand the specific risks for your situation.
Is Flavoxate safe during pregnancy?
Flavoxate is FDA Pregnancy Category B, meaning animal reproduction studies have not shown evidence of fetal harm, though there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking Flavoxate. Your healthcare provider will weigh the potential benefits against any possible risks to you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of Flavoxate hydrochloride?
Flavoxate is a synthetic urinary antispasmodic agent with anticholinergic properties. It acts primarily by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle of the urinary tract, leading to muscle relaxation and reduced spasms. This action helps alleviate symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and pain associated with bladder disorders. (1)
What is the generic name of Flavoxate Hydrochloride?
The generic name is Flavoxate hydrochloride. It is sold under brand names including Flavoxate, GenRx Flavoxate, Flavospas, Urispas, Voxate, Flavoxate Sandoz.
What class of drug is Flavoxate hydrochloride?
Flavoxate Hydrochloride is classed as: Urogenital & Renal System.
References
- Flavoxate Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Flavoxate Hydrochloride (Urispas) tablets — full prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- FLAVOXATE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET [PURACAP LABORATORIES LLC DBA BLU PHARMACEUTICALS] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Flavoxate — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- FLAVOXATE HYDROCHLORIDE — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA076831)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Flavoxate — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 142437)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Flavoxate hydrochloride names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
Canada
- URISPAS