Ditropan

Ditropan is used to treat painful urination, frequent urination, and other bladder problems caused by nerve problems. The drug comes in tablet and syrup form, and is typically taken two to four times a day. Most people tolerate Ditropan well, but side effects can still occur. Some of the more common side effects of Ditropan include dry mouth, dizziness, and constipation.

 

What Is Ditropan?

Ditropan® (oxybutynin chloride) is a prescription medication used to treat bladder problems caused by nerve problems (known medically as neurogenic bladder). In particular, Ditropan is approved to treat the following neurogenic bladder symptoms:
 
  • Painful urination (known as dysuria)
  • Frequent urination (known as urinary frequency)
  • Sudden, frequent urges to urinate (known as urinary urgency)
  • Leaking accidents (known as urinary incontinence or urge incontinence).
    •  
Ditropan is also approved to treat bladder problems due to overactive bladder muscles (caused by spina bifida or other neurological problems) in children age six years and older.
 
(Click Ditropan Uses for more information on what Ditropan is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Ditropan?

Ditropan is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. Generic Ditropan is made by a few different manufacturers.
 

How Does Ditropan Work?

Ditropan belongs to a group of drugs known as antimuscarinic or anticholinergic medications. Ditropan works for bladder problems by blocking specific receptors (called muscarinic receptors) in the bladder, helping to relax the muscles of the bladder. Since an overactive bladder is often due to bladder muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable, Ditropan can help relieve many symptoms of bladder problems.
 

When and How to Take Ditropan

General considerations for when and how to take Ditropan include the following:
 
  • Ditropan comes in tablet and syrup form. It is usually taken by mouth two to four times daily.
    •  
  • Ditropan syrup may be especially useful for children or adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
    •  
  • It does not matter if you take Ditropan with food or on an empty stomach. If Ditropan seems to bother your stomach, try taking it with food.
    •  
  • Ditropan should be taken at the same times each day, in order to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
    •  
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
    •  

Ditropan Dosing Information

The dose of Ditropan that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to Ditropan
  • Your age
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
    •  
As is always the case, do not adjust your Ditropan dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Ditropan Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Ditropan

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Ditropan. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Ditropan include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Ditropan Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Ditropan

Ditropan may potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Ditropan Drug Interactions).
 

Ditropan: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Ditropan if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
    •  
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Ditropan Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Ditropan?

A Ditropan overdose would be likely to cause the usual side effects of Ditropan, but perhaps more severely. In some cases, the symptoms may be quite dangerous.
 
If you happen to overdose on Ditropan, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Ditropan Overdose for more information.)
 

Ditropan: Storage Methods

Ditropan should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Ditropan tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep Ditropan and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Ditropan?

If you do not take your Ditropan as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Ditropan.
 

Ditropan Strengths

Ditropan comes in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Ditropan 5 mg tablets
  • Ditropan syrup, which contains 5 mg of Ditropan per 5 mL (per teaspoonful).
    •  

Is There a Generic Version of Ditropan?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Ditropan are licensed for sale (see Generic Ditropan).
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;