From the Research
The recommended dosing schedule for Toviaz (fesoterodine) is 4 mg once daily to start, which can be increased to 8 mg once daily if needed, as supported by the most recent study 1. This dosing schedule is based on the study that compared the effects of fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg once daily and oxybutynin 5 mg twice daily after steady-state dosing versus placebo on cognitive function in overactive bladder-wet patients over the age of 75 years with mild cognitive impairment. For patients with severe renal impairment or moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum recommended dose is 4 mg once daily, as stated in the design and development of fesoterodine as a prodrug of 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine (5-HMT) 2. Patients with mild to moderate renal impairment or mild hepatic impairment can follow the standard dosing schedule. It's essential to take the medication at the same time each day, with or without food, and swallow the extended-release tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or split it. Allowing 2-8 weeks for the full effect of the medication to be observed is crucial, and if bothersome side effects occur at the 8 mg dose, consider reducing to 4 mg daily, as suggested by the study on the effects of different anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder symptoms 3. Toviaz works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the bladder, which helps reduce symptoms of overactive bladder such as frequent urination, urgency, and incontinence. The extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, improving convenience and potentially enhancing adherence to treatment. Some key points to consider when prescribing Toviaz include:
- The medication should be taken at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in the body.
- The extended-release tablet should be swallowed whole to ensure the medication is released slowly and evenly throughout the day.
- Patients should be monitored for side effects, such as dry mouth, and the dose adjusted as needed to minimize adverse effects.
- The medication may interact with other drugs, so patients should be advised to inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking.