Mirabegron
1 medicine
Mirabegron is a beta-3 adrenergic agonist used to treat overactive bladder symptoms such as urgency, frequency and urge incontinence. It can raise blood pressure, sometimes significantly, so it should be avoided in severe uncontrolled hypertension and blood pressure should be checked periodically during treatment.
Key facts
- Mirabegron (brand Myrbetriq) is a beta-3 adrenergic agonist that relaxes the bladder muscle so it can hold more urine before you feel the urge to go.
- It's taken once daily as an extended-release tablet, with or without food.
- Mirabegron can raise blood pressure, sometimes significantly. It should be avoided if you have severe uncontrolled high blood pressure, and your blood pressure should be checked at the start of treatment and periodically afterward.
- Seek urgent care for a severe headache, chest pain, or difficulty passing urine.
What mirabegron treats
Mirabegron treats overactive bladder, including urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence, which is leaking urine after a sudden need to go. It's also used for nocturia, waking at night to urinate, when this is linked to overactive bladder.
How mirabegron works
Mirabegron stimulates beta-3 receptors on the bladder's detrusor muscle, causing it to relax during the storage phase. This lets the bladder fill with more urine before it signals the urge to urinate, reducing frequency and urgency.
Before you take it
- Tell your prescriber if you have severe uncontrolled high blood pressure; mirabegron can raise blood pressure further and is not recommended in this situation.
- Mention any difficulty emptying your bladder, since mirabegron can worsen urinary retention, especially if you also take an anticholinergic bladder medicine.
- Tell your prescriber about severe liver or kidney disease, since your dose may need to be lower.
- Mirabegron can raise blood levels of some other medicines, including digoxin and metoprolol, by slowing their breakdown; your doctor may watch for extra effects.
Side effects
Common effects include a dry mouth, headache and constipation, though these are less frequent than with older overactive bladder medicines.
Stop and seek urgent medical care for:
- A significant rise in blood pressure, severe headache, or chest pain.
- Inability to pass urine, or a swollen, painful bladder.
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Safety essentials
- Have your blood pressure checked before starting mirabegron and periodically during treatment, especially if you already have hypertension.
- Avoid mirabegron if your high blood pressure is severe and uncontrolled, around 180/110 mmHg or higher.
- Tell your prescriber about all other medicines you take, since mirabegron can raise the levels of certain heart and heart-rhythm medicines.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.