Ditropan

Brand name: Ditropan
Generic name: Oxybutynin

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

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ditropan may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while using Ditropan.
• Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Ditropan increases the risk of heat stroke because it decreases sweating. Drink plenty of fluid of maintain adequate hydration.
• Do not expose the Ditropan transdermal patch (Oxytrol) to sunlight. It should be worn under clothing.

What is Ditropan?

• Ditropan relieves spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.
• Ditropan is used to treat the symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary leakage, painful or difficult urination, urinary incontinence, and nighttime urination associated with overactive bladder.
• Ditropan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Ditropan?

• Do not use Ditropan if you have
  • a blockage of the urinary tract (difficulty urinating); or
  • a blockage in the intestines.
• Before using Ditropan, tell your doctor if you have
  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • numbness or tingling in the hands or feet;
  • difficulty swallowing solids or liquids;
  • reflux disease;
  • glaucoma;
  • myasthenia gravis;
  • ulcerative colitis;
  • thyroid problems;
  • high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or any type of heart disease;
  • a hiatal hernia; or
  • enlargement of the prostate.
• You may not be able to use Ditropan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Ditropan is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Ditropan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Ditropan passes into breast milk. Do not use Ditropan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Ditropan?

• Use Ditropan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the extended release form of Ditropan (Ditropan XL). These tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly into the body. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water or another liquid. Occasionally, you may find a tablet form in the stool. Do not be alarmed, this is the outer shell of the tablet only, the medication has been absorbed by the body.
• To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure the liquid form of Ditropan with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Use the Ditropan topical patches (Oxytrol) as directed. Each patch should be applied to dry, intact skin on the stomach, hip, or buttock. Do not expose the Ditropan transdermal patch to sunlight. It should be worn under clothing. A new application site should be selected with each new system to avoid re-application to the same site within 7 days. Patches are usually changed twice a week, every 3 to 4 days. Try to change the patch on the same two days every week.
• When changing the Oxytrol patch, remove the old patch slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the skin. Once off, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw away the patch so that it cannot be accidentally worn or swallowed by another person, especially a child or pet. If any adhesive remains on the skin after patch removal, wash the area with mild soap and warm water. A small amount of baby oil may also be used. Rings of adhesive that become dirty may require a medical adhesive removal pad that you can get from your pharmacist. Alcohol or other dissolving liquids should not be used.
• Do not apply the Ditropan transdermal patch (Oxytrol) to areas where the skin folds, the waistline where tight clothing may rub against the patch, skin that is damaged (cut or scraped) or irritated, or skin that has been treated with oil, lotion, powder, or other skin products.
• The Ditropan transdermal patch (Oxytrol) does not need to be removed during bathing, swimming, showering, or exercising. However, try to avoid rubbing the patch area during these activities.
• Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. If your symptoms are not being treated, notify your doctor.
• Store Ditropan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed oral dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
• If an Ditropan transdermal patch (Oxytrol) falls off, press it back in place and continue to follow your application schedule. If the patch does not stay on, throw it away. Apply a new patch in a different area, and continue to follow your original application schedule for changing the patch. If you forget to change a patch after 3 or 4 days, remove the old patch, put on a new patch in a different area and continue to follow your original application schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of an Ditropan overdose include restlessness, tremor, irritability, seizures, delirium, hallucinations, flushing, fever, nausea, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and possibly coma.

What should I avoid while using Ditropan?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ditropan may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while using Ditropan.
• Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Ditropan increases the risk of heat stroke because it decreases sweating. Drink plenty of fluid to maintain adequate hydration.

What are the possible side effects of Ditropan?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using Ditropan and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
  • an irregular or fast heart rate.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ditropan and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • nausea or vomiting;
  • difficulty urinating;
  • constipation;
  • dry mouth;
  • blurred vision or large pupils;
  • dryness of the eyes;
  • drowsiness;
  • dizziness or lightheadedness;
  • decreased sweating;
  • a rash;
  • insomnia;
  • restlessness;
  • hallucinations; or
  • mild redness at patch application site (Oxytrol).
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Ditropan?

• Ditropan may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine while using Ditropan without first talking to your doctor.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ditropan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.