Brand name:
Ditropan
Pronounced: DYE-tro-pan
Generic name:
Oxybutynin chloride
Other brand name:
Ditropan XL
Why is Ditropan prescribed?
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.
Most important fact 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.
How should you 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.
--If you miss a dose...
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.
--Storage instructions...
Keep Ditropan 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.
Ditropan side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change
in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can
determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Ditropan.
- 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
Why should Ditropan not be prescribed?
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 Ditropan 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.
Special warnings about Ditropan
If you have an ileostomy or colostomy (an artificial opening
to
the bowel) and develop diarrhea while taking Ditropan, inform your
doctor
immediately.
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.
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.
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.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking 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 Halcion or Restoril because increased drowsiness may occur. You
should also
check with your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Alendronate (Fosamax)
Antibiotics such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab) and clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and miconazole (Monistat)
Risedronate (Actonel)
Drugs that ease spasms, including Bentyl, Levsin, Pro-Banthine, and Robinul
Special information if you are 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 Ditropan is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise
you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Ditropan
Adults
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Ditropan overdose may include:
Coma,
convulsions,
delirium,
dehydration,
difficulty breathing,
fever,
flushing,
hallucinations,
irritability,
low or high blood pressure,
nausea,
paralysis,
rapid heartbeat,
restlessness,
tremor,
urinary tract obstruction,
vomiting
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