[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Overactive bladder agents](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/overactive-bladder-agents/) › Solifenacin

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Overactive bladder agents](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/overactive-bladder-agents/)

# Solifenacin

A once-daily antimuscarinic for overactive bladder with some preference for M3 receptors and a long half-life.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Overactive bladder agents](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/overactive-bladder-agents/)
- Receptor: Muscarinic M3 receptor of the bladder detrusor
- ATC code: G04BD08

◎**Muscarinic M3 receptor of the bladder detrusor**Solifenacin

ⓘ No structure of solifenacin bound to its receptor exists. The figure shows tiotropium, another muscarinic antagonist, in the acetylcholine pocket of the rat M3 receptor, the subtype that contracts the bladder; the pocket is nearly identical in the human receptor.

**Target in 3D:** Muscarinic M3 receptor of the bladder detrusor. PDB structure 4DAJ (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/4DAJ) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## Mechanism of action

Solifenacin is a competitive muscarinic antagonist with some preference for M3 receptors, the ones that contract the bladder. Blocking them reduces urgent detrusor contractions. Its M3 preference may mean fewer effects on M1 receptors in the brain.

- Binds M3 receptors of the detrusor
- Acetylcholine cannot trigger urgent contractions
- Bladder holds more with less urgency

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Taken by mouth with or without food

**Metabolism**
Extensively by CYP3A4

**Half-life**
About 45 to 68 hours with regular use

## Indications

- Overactive bladder with urge incontinence, urgency and frequency in adults [Overactive bladder and urge incontinence →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/overactive-bladder-and-urge-incontinence/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Urinary tract infection

### Serious (rare, important)

- Angioedema and anaphylaxis
- Urinary retention with bladder outlet obstruction, with kidney injury
- Headache, confusion, hallucinations and drowsiness
- QT prolongation at high exposure, a concern in people at risk

## Contraindications

- Urinary retention
- Gastric retention
- Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
- Hypersensitivity to the drug

## Key interactions

**Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole and others)**
Much higher solifenacin exposure; the dose is limited

**Other anticholinergic drugs**
Additive anticholinergic effects (class)

## What is monitored

- Voiding and post-void residual in men with prostate enlargement
- Bowel habit
- Mental status in older adults
- ECG in people with QT risk

## Administration and safety

- Swallowed whole with water, with or without food

## Nursing care

- Teach to report swelling of the face, lips or tongue at once
- Advise care with driving if vision blurs or drowsiness appears
- Encourage fluids and fibre for constipation

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

No studies in pregnant women; animal studies did not show harm at the doses tested.

## Memory aid

SOLIfenacin: a SOLId once-a-day M3 blocker with a long tail (half-life of days).

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which receptor subtype does solifenacin prefer?

M3, the subtype that contracts the bladder.

## Which enzyme metabolizes solifenacin and what follows from that?

CYP3A4; strong inhibitors such as ketoconazole raise its levels, so the dose is limited.

## Which serious allergic reaction is listed for solifenacin?

Angioedema (and anaphylaxis), which can block the airway.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/solifenacin/)

## Related drugs

- [Oxybutynin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/oxybutynin/)
- [Tolterodine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tolterodine/)
- [Mirabegron](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/mirabegron/)

## Related conditions

- [Overactive bladder and urge incontinence](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/overactive-bladder-and-urge-incontinence/)

[← Back to the class: Overactive bladder agents](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/overactive-bladder-agents/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [DailyMed - SOLIFENACIN SUCCINATE tablet, coated](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fbd6e753-1ed2-418a-8667-c674b215eabb) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Solifenacin: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605019.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 11 (McGraw Hill, 2023).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/solifenacin/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/solifenacin/