Ditropan XL (Oxybutynin ER)

What is Ditropan XL?

Ditropan belongs to a group of drugs called antispasmodics. The drug reduces spasms of the bladder muscles and urinary tract.

What is Ditropan XL used for?

Ditropan is indicated for the treatment of an overactive bladder with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence. It helps reduce leaking of urine and decreases frequency of urination.

How does Ditropan XL work?

Ditropan works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and thus, improving person’s ability to control urination.

How to use Ditropan XL

Ditropan should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken twice or thrice daily (as per the dosing schedule provided by the doctor). It can be taken with or without food, but it has to be taken with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew the pill. Swallow it.

While taking the liquid form of the medication, measure the dose using a special dose measuring device only. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Ditropan XL warnings and precautions

Do not take Ditropan if you are allergic to oxybutynin or if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma that has not been treated, blockage in your stomach, intestines, or urinary tract.

Prior to taking Ditropan, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, enlarged prostate, stomach disorder (gastroesophageal reflux disease or slow digestion), or ulcerative colitis.

While using Ditropan, avoid drinking alcohol or performing activities that require alertness (e.g., driving). Also avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated, especially in hot weather or during exercise.

Although Ditropan is unlikely to cause harm to an unborn baby, pregnant women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. It is not known if the drug passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Thus, lactating women should not use the drug unless prescribed by the doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Ditropan XL dose?

If you have missed your Ditropan dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Ditropan XL overdose?

If you have taken a Ditropan overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Ditropan XL interactions

Before taking Ditropan, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like flecainide, mepenzolate, thioridazine, glycopyrrolate, HIV/AIDS medicine, antifungal medications, antibiotics, medicines for irritable bowel movements, bronchodilators, antidepressants, and other bladder or urinary medications.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements that you may be using. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Ditropan XL side effects

Ditropan side effects include hives, hot and dry skin, increased thirst, constipation accompanied by severe stomach ache, pain or burning sensation while urinating, decreased frequency or amount of urination, breathing trouble, swelling on face, tongue, lips, or throat. If you get any of these side effects after using Ditropan, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Mild nausea, blurred vision, dry eyes, diarrhea, mild constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, mild pain in the stomach or stomach upset, dry mouth,  headache, insomnia and runny nose are some less serious side effects from Ditropan.