Fesoterodine is a medication used to treat overactive bladder, a condition characterized by a sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the bladder muscles, thereby reducing bladder contractions and improving bladder control.
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Fesoterodine is a prodrug, meaning it is converted to its active metabolite, 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine, in the body.
Fesoterodine selectively binds to muscarinic receptors in the bladder, reducing bladder contractions and improving bladder control.
Fesoterodine is typically taken orally, with or without food, and is available in extended-release formulations for once-daily dosing.
Common side effects of fesoterodine include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and drowsiness, which are typical of antimuscarinic medications.
Fesoterodine is primarily metabolized by the liver and is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Review Questions
Explain how fesoterodine, as an antimuscarinic agent, is used to treat overactive bladder.
Fesoterodine is an antimuscarinic medication that works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the bladder muscles. By reducing the activity of these muscarinic receptors in the bladder, fesoterodine helps to decrease bladder contractions and improve bladder control in individuals with overactive bladder, a condition characterized by a sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to control.
Describe the pharmacokinetic properties of fesoterodine, including its metabolism and dosing considerations.
Fesoterodine is a prodrug that is converted to its active metabolite, 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine, in the body. It is typically taken orally, with or without food, and is available in extended-release formulations for once-daily dosing. Fesoterodine is primarily metabolized by the liver, and its use is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment. The pharmacokinetic properties of fesoterodine, including its metabolism and dosing considerations, are important factors to consider when prescribing this medication for the treatment of overactive bladder.
Evaluate the potential adverse effects associated with fesoterodine and discuss how these side effects relate to its antimuscarinic mechanism of action.
As an antimuscarinic agent, fesoterodine can cause common side effects that are typical of this class of medications, such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and drowsiness. These adverse effects are directly related to the drug's mechanism of action, as it blocks the action of acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system, which can lead to reduced activity in various organ systems, including the salivary glands, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. When prescribing fesoterodine, healthcare providers must carefully consider the potential risks and benefits for each patient, as well as monitor for and manage any adverse effects that may arise during treatment.
Related terms
Antimuscarinic: A class of drugs that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, leading to reduced activity in the target organ or tissue.
A type of medication that blocks the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in reduced activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.
A condition characterized by a sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to control, often accompanied by increased frequency of urination and involuntary loss of urine.