Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Darifenacin (formerly branded as Enablex) and solifenacin (Vesicare) are both medications used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), but they have some differences. Darifenacin is a urinary antispasmodic, while solifenacin is an anticholinergic and antimuscarinic medication. Both are taken once a day, but darifenacin is available only in a generic form, whereas solifenacin is available in both brand and generic forms. Darifenacin typically starts working within 2 weeks, while solifenacin may take up to 4 weeks to show improvement and up to 12 weeks for full effects. Common side effects for both include dry mouth and constipation, but darifenacin has a higher risk of causing severe dry mouth and constipation. Additionally, solifenacin can cause rare but serious heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation), which is not a noted risk for darifenacin. Both medications can cause dizziness and drowsiness, especially in older adults, and can reduce your ability to sweat, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.
Darifenacin
Solifenacin (Vesicare)
Darifenacin
Solifenacin (Vesicare)
Summary of Enablex vs. Vesicare
Summary for Anticholinergic
Prescription only
Darifenacin hydrobromide is a medication that treats overactive bladder in adults. It belongs to a drug class called anticholinergics. Darifenacin comes as an extended-release tablet that you take by mouth once a day. Common side effects include dry mouth and constipation. The brand name of the medication, Enablex, has been discontinued. So generic darifenacin is the only version available now.
Summary for Anticholinergic
Prescription only
Solifenacin succinate, also known by the brand name Vesicare, is an anticholinergic medication that's used to treating certain bladder problems. The brand-name and generic tablets help treat overactive bladder in adults. A liquid suspension under the brand name Vesicare LS is also available for children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) (urinary incontinence due to a neurologic problem). This medication is taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effects are dry mouth and constipation.