Sanctura (Trospium)

Description

Sanctura, also known as Trospium, is a medication that helps relax the muscles in the bladder. This can reduce unwanted muscle contractions, which helps lower how often someone needs to urinate and the feeling of needing to go urgently. It is often used to treat overactive bladder, a condition where the bladder muscles contract unexpectedly, causing frequent trips to the bathroom, a strong urge to go, and sometimes accidents. Trospium comes in oral form and is useful for adults who struggle with these disruptive urinary symptoms.

Directions

Sanctura is a medication that must be taken orally. It is important to follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. For most adults, this is typically 20 mg taken twice per day. Be sure to take it at least one hour before meals. If your doctor has adjusted the dosage for your specific situation, follow their instructions carefully. Individuals with kidney problems or older adults may require a different dosage. It is important not to crush, chew, or break the tablets; they should be swallowed whole.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Sanctura is Trospium.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using Sanctura if any of the following apply:

• Urinary retention, a condition where the bladder doesn't empty completely
• Gastric retention, meaning difficulty emptying the stomach contents
• Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, a type of eye disorder
• Allergy to any component of Sanctura

Cautions

• Before taking Sanctura, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Sanctura may cause difficulty emptying the bladder, especially in people with existing bladder conditions. If you experience trouble urinating or a weak urine stream, contact your doctor immediately.
• Rare cases of severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, have been reported. If you develop swelling, difficulty breathing, or trouble swallowing, stop taking Sanctura and seek emergency medical help right away.
• Sanctura can slow down digestion, which may lead to stomach discomfort, bloating, or constipation. If you have conditions such as ulcerative colitis, intestinal blockage, or myasthenia gravis, talk to your doctor before using this medication.
• Sanctura may increase eye pressure in people with narrow-angle glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, use this medication only if your doctor determines the benefits outweigh the risks, and be sure to have regular eye exams.
• Some people taking Sanctura may experience dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, or hallucinations. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you. If you notice unusual changes in mood or alertness, contact your doctor.
• Sanctura is removed from the body through the kidneys. People with moderate kidney problems may be more likely to experience dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, or stomach discomfort. If you have kidney disease, discuss dosage adjustments with your doctor.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Sanctura include dry mouth, constipation, and headache. Some people may experience difficulty emptying their bladder, blurred vision, or drowsiness. Because drowsiness can affect alertness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Sanctura affects you. Alcohol may worsen this effect, increasing the risk of dizziness or impaired coordination.

Sanctura can reduce sweating, which may lead to heat prostration in hot environments. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, and overheating, requiring immediate cooling and hydration. In rare cases, Sanctura may cause a serious allergic reaction, leading to swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical care.

References

1. Sanctura (Trospium) Product Monograph. Irvine, CA: Allergan, Inc.; 2012.
2. Sanctura (Trospium) Drug Label Information. Lansing, MI: Biomes Pharmaceuticals LLC; 2017.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....