Ditropan
® (
oxybutynin chloride) is a prescription medication used to treat
bladder problems caused by nerve problems (known medically as neurogenic bladder). In particular, the medication 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 and older.
Ditropan is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. Generic versions are made by a few different manufacturers.
Ditropan belongs to a group of drugs known as antimuscarinic or anticholinergic medications. It 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 muscle
contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable, Ditropan can help relieve many symptoms of bladder problems.
General considerations for when and how to take Ditropan include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet and syrup form. It is usually taken by mouth two to four times daily.
- The syrup may be especially useful for children or adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
- You can take Ditropan with or without food. If the medication 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 in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
The dose of Ditropan your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to the drug
- Your age
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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 include but are not limited to:
(Click Ditropan Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
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:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose of Ditropan would be likely to cause the usual side effects, but perhaps more severely. In some cases, the symptoms may be quite dangerous.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Ditropan Be Stored?
Ditropan should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
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.
Ditropan comes in the following strengths and forms:
- Ditropan 5 mg tablets
- Ditropan syrup, which contains 5 mg of medication 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).
