Ditropan

Generic name: Oxybutynin chloride

What is Ditropan?

Ditropan and Ditropan XL, the extended-release form of the drug, treat symptoms of overactive bladder, including frequent urination, urgency (increased need to urinate), and urge incontinence (inability to control urination). The drug works by blocking the nerve impulses that prompt the bladder to contract. Ditropan is also used to treat the urgency, frequency, leakage, incontinence, and painful or difficult urination caused by a neurogenic bladder (altered bladder function due to a nervous system abnormality).

Ditropan XL can also be prescribed for children 6 years of age and older who are suffering from urinary urge incontinence due to a neurological condition such as spina bifida.

What is the most important information I should know about Ditropan?

Ditropan can cause heat prostration (fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating) in high temperatures. If you live in a hot climate or will be exposed to high temperatures, take appropriate precautions.

If you have an ileostomy or colostomy (an artificial opening to the bowel) and develop diarrhea while taking Ditropan, inform your doctor immediately.

Your doctor will prescribe Ditropan with caution if you have liver disease, kidney disease, digestive problems such as reflux disease, or a nervous system disorder.

Ditropan may aggravate the symptoms of overactive thyroid, heart disease or congestive heart failure, irregular or rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, or enlarged prostate.

Who should not take Ditropan?

You should not take Ditropan if you have certain types of untreated glaucoma (excessive pressure in the eye), partial or complete blockage of the gastrointestinal tract, or paralytic ileus (obstructed bowel). Ditropan should also be avoided if you have severe colitis (inflamed colon), myasthenia gravis (abnormal muscle weakness), or urinary tract obstruction (inability to urinate). This drug is usually not prescribed for the elderly or debilitated.

Do not take this medication if you are sensitive or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Make sure your doctor is aware of any allergic reactions you have experienced.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Ditropan?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also talk to your doctor about your complete medical history.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Ditropan

Adults: The usual dose is one 5-milligram tablet or 1 teaspoonful of syrup taken 2 to 3 times a day, but not more than 4 times a day.

Children over 5 years of age: The usual dose is one 5-milligram tablet or 1 teaspoonful of syrup taken 2 times a day, but not more than 3 times a day. Ditropan is not recommended for children under 5.

Ditropan XL

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams once a day. If this proves insufficient, the doctor may increase the dose by 5 milligrams at weekly intervals, up to a maximum of 30 milligrams a day.

Children 6 years of age and older: The recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams once a day. If this proves insufficient, the doctor may increase the dose by 5-milligram increments, up to a maximum of 20 milligrams a day.

How should I take Ditropan?

Ditropan may be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed. Ditropan can make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candies or melting bits of ice in your mouth can remedy the problem. Ditropan tablets and syrup must be taken 2 or 3 times a day. Ditropan XL, a long-acting form of the drug, is available for once-a-day dosing. Ditropan XL tablets should be swallowed whole with plenty of fluid. Do not chew, crush, or break them.

After taking Ditropan XL, you may notice something like a tablet in your stool. This is not a cause for concern. The outer coating of the extended release tablet sometimes fails to dissolve along with the contents.

What should I avoid while taking Ditropan?

Ditropan may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until you know how this medication affects you.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Ditropan?

If Ditropan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ditropan with alcohol or sedatives such as temazepam or triazolam because increased drowsiness may occur. You should also check with your doctor if you are taking any of the following: alendronate, antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin, antifungal medication, risedronate, and drugs used to treat spasms such as dicyclomine, glycopyrrolate, hyoscyamine, and propantheline.

What are the possible side effects of Ditropan?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: constipation, decreased production of tears, decreased sweating, difficulty falling or staying asleep, dilation of the pupil of the eye, dim vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, eye paralysis, hallucinations, impotence, inability to urinate, nausea, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, restlessness, suppression of milk production, weakness

Can I receive Ditropan if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Ditropan during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Ditropan may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ditropan?

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Ditropan?

Keep this medication in a tightly closed container and store it at room temperature. Protect the syrup from direct light. Protect the extended-release tablets from moisture and humidity.