From the Research
The maximum dose of fesoterodine is 8 mg once daily. Treatment typically starts at 4 mg once daily, which can be increased to 8 mg based on individual response and tolerability 1. For patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) or moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum dose should be limited to 4 mg once daily. Fesoterodine should be taken with water and can be administered with or without food. The medication works by blocking muscarinic receptors in the bladder, reducing involuntary bladder contractions and symptoms of overactive bladder such as urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence. Patients should be aware that common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and headache. The full therapeutic effect may take up to 2-8 weeks to develop, so patients should continue taking the medication as prescribed even if immediate improvement isn't noticed.
Some key points to consider when prescribing fesoterodine include:
- The dose can be increased to 8 mg based on individual response and tolerability 1
- The medication can be taken with or without food, and its pharmacokinetics are not significantly affected by food intake 2
- Long-term treatment with fesoterodine is well tolerated and effective in improving symptoms of overactive bladder, regardless of age 3, 4
- Fesoterodine may be an effective alternative for patients who have a suboptimal response to other medications, such as tolterodine ER 5
Overall, fesoterodine is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with overactive bladder, and its maximum dose of 8 mg once daily can be adjusted based on individual response and tolerability.