Flavoxate is a urinary antispasmodic used for bladder spasms. Taken at the right dose it helps, but too much can cause a clear set of anticholinergic symptoms and, rarely, serious complications. If you suspect an overdose — either accidental or intentional — quick action can make a big difference.
If the person is unconscious, having seizures, struggling to breathe, or shows a very fast/irregular heartbeat, call emergency services right now. For less severe signs, contact your local poison control center or emergency department and follow their instructions.
When you call, have these details ready: how much flavoxate was taken, when it happened, the patient's age and weight, other medications or alcohol involved, and any medical conditions like heart, liver, or kidney disease. Do not make the person vomit unless a medical professional tells you to.
At the hospital, providers may give activated charcoal if the overdose happened very recently. Care is mainly supportive: monitoring heart rhythm, breathing, temperature, and mental status. Doctors can treat agitation or seizures with sedatives like benzodiazepines. In rare cases with severe anticholinergic effects, physicians may use medications such as physostigmine, but that’s given only by specialists.
Early and mild signs include dry mouth, flushed skin, big pupils and blurred vision, feeling very warm, and a fast heartbeat. As the dose rises, expect confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, hallucinations, and trouble thinking clearly. Some people may have trouble urinating despite the drug’s usual purpose, or they may become very restless and agitated.
Serious red flags are seizures, collapse, very high body temperature, severe breathing problems, or losing consciousness. Any of those require immediate emergency care.
Who’s at higher risk? Older adults, people with liver or kidney problems, and anyone taking other anticholinergic drugs, certain antipsychotics, or alcohol. Mixing flavoxate with drugs that slow the heart or affect the nervous system raises risk too.
Prevention is simple: follow the prescription, keep meds in their original bottle with clear labeling, and store them out of reach of children. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if flavoxate interacts with any other medicine you take, including over-the-counter sleep aids, cold medicines, or herbal supplements.
If you’re ever unsure, call poison control. Quick, calm action and clear information about the dose and timing help healthcare staff make the right call fast. And if you or someone you care for struggles with taking medicines safely, talk to a pharmacist about blister packs or a daily pill organizer to reduce mistakes.
