Ditropan (Oxybutynin)

DITROPAN comes in three different forms: a tablet, a syrup, and a long-acting tablet. The tablets and syrup are usually taken two to four times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take this medication with a full glass of water. Try to take this medication at the same time each day.

If you are taking the liquid form of DITROPAN, use a dose-measuring spoon or cup to measure the correct amount of liquid for each dose, not a household spoon.

If you are taking the extended-release tablet, you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool - this is normal. It’s just the empty tablet shell and does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of DITROPAN and gradually increase your dose.

You may notice some improvement in your symptoms within the first two weeks of treatment. However, it may take six to eight weeks to experience the full benefit of DITROPAN. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve at all within eight weeks.

Your DITROPAN dose should be taken at approximately the same time each day.

DITROPAN Overdose

Overdosing with DITROPAN has been associated with negative effects on the central nervous system. Signs of an overdose include fever, vomiting, dehydration, or cardiac arrhythmia, where your heart beats either too fast or too slow.

Call a doctor or go to an emergency room immediately if you take too much DITROPAN.

Missed Dose of DITROPAN

If you miss a dose of DITROPAN, you should take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

If you are taking the extended-release tablet and you remember more than eight hours before it is time for the next dose, take the missed dose right away. However, if your next dose is due in less than eight hours, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

DITROPAN may cause a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called angioedema, which requires immediate medical attention. Stop using this medicine and seek medical attention right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms:

• Frequent, urgent, or painful urination
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Hives or a severe rash
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Fever
• Flushing or redness of the face
• Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• Unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• Seizures
• Stomach/intestinal blockage (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, prolonged constipation).

A very serious allergic reaction to DITROPAN is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if one occurs. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not use DITROPAN if you have untreated or uncontrolled glaucoma, a blockage in your stomach or intestines or if you are unable to urinate.

Tell your doctor if you have been diagnosed with liver or kidney disease, an enlarged prostate, or any other stomach disorder such as GERD, commonly known as reflux disease.

This medicine may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort. DITROPAN may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather.

DITROPAN may control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition. You may notice some improvement in your symptoms within the first two weeks of treatment. However, it may take up to eight weeks to experience the full benefit of DITROPAN. You should not stop taking DITROPAN without talking to your doctor.

If you are 65 years old or older, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking DITROPAN tablets or syrup. Older adults should not take DITROPAN tablets or syrup because they are not as safe and may not be as effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.

You should also inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, bleeding problems, dementia, glaucoma, trouble swallowing, prostate problems, trouble emptying your bladder, or any kind of digestive problem, such as colitis, constipation, or  (GERD)gastroesophageal reflux disease.

DITROPAN may make you dizzy, drowsy, or cause blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or not able to see well.

When you first start taking DITROPAN, you may see signs of agitation, confusion, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, or hallucinations. These symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy and DITROPAN

Before taking DITROPAN, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Studies done on animals have shown no evidence of harm to a fetus if DITROPAN is used in pregnancy. However, there have not been any adequate studies on pregnant humans.

If you are breastfeeding, you should weigh the benefits against the potential risks and side effects to your baby before taking DITROPAN.

If you are taking DITROPAN with other drugs such as Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine), you will likely experience other side effects. This could include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, increased heart rate, and urinary retention.

Combining pramlintide (Symlin) with DITROPAN should be avoided. This could cause severely reduce bowel movements.

DITROPAN may also delay passage of potassium tablets through the digestive system and result in ulceration or narrowing of the small intestine.

You should tell your doctor about any prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Certain antibiotics, antifungal, antihistamines along with aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can affect how DITROPAN is absorbed in your body. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Morphine (MS Contin)
• Morphine Sulfate XR Liposome (DepoDur)
• Oxymorphone (Opana)
• Umeclidinium (Anora Ellipta)

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Donepezil (Aricept)
• Galantamine (Razadyne)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Rivastigmine (Exelon)

To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated, consult your pharmacist for help in choosing a laxative. You should not use alcohol while taking DITROPAN.