Myrbetriq, generically known as mirabegron, is a prescription drug used primarily to treat overactive bladder. This is a condition where one frequently feels the urgent need to urinate, and in such instances, the sufferer may experience incontinence. Myrbetriq acts by selectively targeting beta-3 adrenergic receptors within the bladder to relax the detrusor smooth muscle for increased capacity to hold urine.
Unlike older treatments for OAB, such as anticholinergic drugs, Myrbetriq does not cause side effects like dry mouth or constipation and is preferred by some patients. It is considered a beta-3 agonist, in that it activates these particular receptors to help manage symptoms of OAB. It has been documented in research that Myrbetriq can lessen the frequency of urination and take away the urgent need to urinate, therefore offering great relief to such patients who always live with the unpredictability of their bladder issues.
The average starting dose for beginning therapy with Myrbetriq is 25 mg once daily; it can be titrated up to 50 mg if necessary. Generally well tolerated, the potential adverse reactions include increased blood pressure, headache, and urinary tract infections. As a matter of fact, roughly 1 in 5 patients may slightly develop increased systolic blood pressure, a vital factor that one must always consider, especially in people with pre-existing hypertension.
Dosages and How to Use It
Standard Dosage
The recommended starting dose is 25 mg Myrbetriq once daily. Usually, this dosage is used for the assessment of the body’s response to the medication. After 8 weeks, based on individual patient response and tolerability, the dosage may be titrated to 50 mg once daily. The dosage of 50 mg is the maximum recommended dose for a day. Myrbetriq must be taken orally, regardless of food intake, and should be swallowed whole. The tablet should not be crushed, chewed, or split because these may affect the drug’s property of working.
Special Considerations
In patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, the dose should not exceed 25 mg once daily. The same dosage is suggested for patients with severe liver impairment. Adjustments are necessary because the drug is metabolized in the liver and eliminated through the kidneys; thus, if there is a reduced function of either organ, this might slow down the drug’s elimination and increase possible side effects.
Who Should Take Myrbetriq?
Myrbetriq is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency in adults. This helps in the mitigation of symptoms such as frequent urination and involuntary leakage of urine because it relaxes bladder muscles, enabling the bladder to hold more urine; hence, decreasing the feeling of needing to urinate often.
Precautions
Myrbetriq should be used cautiously in patients with uncontrolled hypertension as it can raise blood pressure. In clinical studies, up to 20% of patients have been known to develop a slight elevation of systolic blood pressure. This can be of concern for those individuals who have already compromised hypertension. Blood pressure should be periodically checked on these patients. In this case, interactions may occur in patients receiving medications that affect the cytochrome P450 enzyme system such as certain antifungal or antiepileptic drugs, which could alter the metabolism of Myrbetriq and thereby affect its adverse drug effects. A person should discuss all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) with his or her health care provider before taking Myrbetriq.
Disclaimer
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