Darifenacin: Pharmacology and clinical usage.
Darifenacin is one of several recently approved antimuscarinics for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and urge urinary incontinence. Darifenacin is an effective drug for the treatment of OAB and is tolerated by patients. Darifenacin's M3 selectivity is unique among antimuscarinics. This M3 selectivity could confer advantages in patients who have cardiovascular side effects (tachycardia), impaired cognition, complaints of dizziness, or sleep disturbances. In some studies, darifenacin caused less dry mouth than oxybutynin. Rates of constipation, although significant, are tolerated and rarely a cause for discontinuation in clinical trials. This review describes the role of M3 receptors and covers the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, clinical efficacy safety and tolerability, drug interactions, and dosing guidelines for darifenacin.
Steers
William D
WD
Department of Urology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Box 800422 Hospital Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. wds6t@virginia.edu
D001572:Benzofurans / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D043587:Receptor, Muscarinic M3 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000188:drug therapy*
D001572:Benzofurans; D011759:Pyrrolidines; D043587:Receptor, Muscarinic M3; C101207:darifenacin