Why is Ditropan prescribed?

Ditropan is used to relieve urinary and bladder difficulties, including frequent urination and inability to control urination. It also helps to decrease muscle spasms of the bladder.

Oxybutynin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Ditropan be used?

Ditropan comes as a tablet and a syrup. Ditropan usually is taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Ditropan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Oxybutynin usually is taken with water on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after or 1 hour before meals. However, your doctor may want you to take Ditropan with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking ditropan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Ditropan or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics ('water pills'), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for high blood pressure, potassium supplements, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, kidney, or stomach disease; glaucoma; colitis; an enlarged prostate; intestinal disease or obstruction; an overactive thyroid gland; or myasthenia gravis.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Ditropan, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Ditropan.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Oxybutynin affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Oxybutynin.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Ditropan may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Ditropan cause?

Although side effects from Ditropan are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry mouth
• sensitivity to bright light
• blurred vision
• dry eyes
• decreased sweating
• flushing
• upset stomach
• drowsiness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• fever
• fast pulse
• heart palpitations
• restlessness
• seizures
• difficulty urinating
• hallucinations (especially in children)

What storage conditions are needed for Ditropan?

Keep Oxybutynin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.