Darifenacin
Brand names: Emselex
Darifenacin is an antimuscarinic agent used to treat the symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary frequency, urgency and urge incontinence.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It selectively antagonises M3 muscarinic receptors on the detrusor muscle, reducing involuntary bladder contractions and increasing functional bladder capacity.
Prescribing in practice
- It is contraindicated in urinary retention, significant gastric outflow obstruction and uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma because of antimuscarinic effects.
- Dry mouth and constipation are the most common adverse effects and may limit tolerability.
- Dose adjustment and caution are needed with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors and in hepatic impairment.
Monitoring
Monitor symptomatic response and antimuscarinic adverse effects, reassessing the need for continued treatment periodically.
Counselling the patient
- Swallow the tablet whole and expect benefit to build over a few weeks.
- Dry mouth and constipation are common; maintaining fluids and fibre can help.
- Report difficulty passing urine or new eye pain and visual disturbance.
Evidence & guidelines
NICE guidance on urinary incontinence supports antimuscarinics such as darifenacin for overactive bladder when conservative measures are insufficient.
Reference: NICE NG123; BAUS / EAU; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.