Ditropan (Oxybutynin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ditropan Used For?
Ditropan contains oxybutynin hydrochloride and is prescribed to help manage bladder control problems by reducing the urgency and frequency of urination.
Primary Uses
Ditropan is used to decrease the urgency and frequency of urination in patients with bladder control issues.
How It Works
Ditropan works by relaxing the bladder smooth muscle and helping to decrease muscle spasm. This delays the initial desire and urge to urinate, giving you better control over your bladder.
How to Take Ditropan
Take Ditropan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water and try to take them at the same time each day for best results.
Dosage Instructions
For adults: The usual dose is one 5 mg tablet two to three times per day. Your doctor may reduce this dosage depending on your general condition. For children over 5 years: The usual dose is one 5 mg tablet twice a day. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If you remember earlier, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this may increase your risk of side effects.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- drowsiness
- urinary tract infection
- nosebleed
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of appetite
- heartburn
- stomach discomfort
- diarrhea
- constipation
- dryness of mouth, nose and throat
- dry skin
- decreased sweating
- muscle weakness, aches or spasms
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- restlessness or trouble sleeping
- nightmares
- dizziness
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- hallucinations
- confusion, nervousness or severe suspiciousness
- convulsions, fits or seizures
- agitation
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- eye problems including dry eyes or blurred vision
- flushing
- skin rash
- decreased flow of breast milk
- difficulty urinating
- impotence
- fainting
- swelling of face, lips, mouth or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- hives
- numbness in hands or feet
- yellowing of skin and eyes
- fever or heat stroke
Important Warnings
Before taking Ditropan, it’s crucial to inform your doctor about your medical history and current health conditions, as this medication is not suitable for everyone.
Who Should Not Take Ditropan
Do not take Ditropan if you are allergic to oxybutynin hydrochloride or any ingredients in the medication. Also avoid if you have: angle closure glaucoma or shallow anterior chamber, partial or complete intestinal blockage, stomach/intestinal/large bowel problems including colitis, myasthenia gravis, urinary tract blockage, or severe bleeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: liver, kidney or heart problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, enlarged prostate gland, autonomic neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, hiatus hernia with heartburn, or diarrhea.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Ditropan is not recommended during pregnancy unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits. The safety during pregnancy has not been established. Ditropan is also not recommended while breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Ditropan, tell your doctor immediately.
Children: Ditropan is not recommended for children under 5 years unless directed by a doctor. Children over 5 are more sensitive to the effects of Ditropan and require careful monitoring.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Ditropan, either increasing its effects or reducing the effectiveness of other medicines. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- digoxin (heart medication)
- L-dopa (Parkinson’s disease treatment)
- phenothiazines (anti-psychotic drugs)
- butyrophenones (anti-psychotic drugs)
- tricyclic antidepressants
- amantadine (Parkinson’s or influenza treatment)
- hyoscine (muscle relaxant)
- some antihistamines
- prokinetic drugs (reduced effectiveness)
- cholinesterase inhibitors (reduced effectiveness)
Alcohol & Driving
Ditropan can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol. Take precautions to ensure your safety and that of others.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol or other sedatives may increase the drowsiness that Ditropan can cause, making you more impaired than usual.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Ditropan affects you. This medication may cause drowsiness or blurred vision in some people. If you experience these symptoms, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Temperature Regulation
Take extra care to avoid becoming overheated during exercise or hot weather, as overheating may result in heat stroke. Ditropan may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to rise. This is particularly important for children who often play in hot sun.
Storage
Store Ditropan tablets below 25°C and protect them from light. Keep tablets in the original bottle until it’s time to take them, as they won’t keep well if removed early. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – not in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Ditropan, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, excitement, flushing, dizziness, breathing difficulties, or numbness in hands or feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Ditropan works by relaxing bladder smooth muscle to delay the initial desire and urge to urinate. Your doctor can provide more specific information about when you might expect to see results.
The instructions indicate to swallow Ditropan with a glass of water, but don’t specify whether it should be taken with or without food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on timing with meals.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If you remember earlier, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol or other sedatives may increase the drowsiness that Ditropan can cause, so you should be cautious about combining them.
Ditropan may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to rise. Take extra care to avoid becoming overheated during exercise or hot weather, as overheating may result in heat stroke. This is particularly important for children.
If you are elderly, you may be especially sensitive to the effects of Ditropan, which may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. Your doctor will monitor you carefully and may adjust your dose accordingly.
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Ditropan affects you. The medication may cause drowsiness or blurred vision in some people. If you experience these symptoms, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.