Ditropan is used to treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder such as incontinance (loss of bladder control) or a frequent need to urinate (polyuria).
This medication belongs to a group of medications called antispasmodics. It helps decrease muscle spasms of the bladder and the polyuria caused by these spasms.
The extended release tablets are used to treat children 6 years of age and older who have an overactive bladder causes by certain nerve disorders such as spina bifida.
This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription.
This medication is available in the following forms:
Extended release tablet
Tablet
Syrup
2 What to know before using
Before using Ditropan, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies:
Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric:
Up-to-date Pediatric Appropriate studies have not indicated any problems that would limit the use of this medication. However, the extended release tablet of this medication medication is not recommended in children who cannot swallow whole pills or in children younger than 6 years of age.
Geriatric:
Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
Pregnancy:
This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category B. This means that animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the unborn baby, however there are are no studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have showed an adverse affect to the unborn baby, but studies in pregnant women have not shown a risk to the unborn baby.
Breastfeeding:
There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions:
Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.
Using this medication with any of the following is not recommended.
Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, or change some of the other medications you take:
Potassium
Using this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.
Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
Bupropion
Donepezil
Oxymorphone
Using this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you. If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:
Galantamine
Ketoconazole
Rivastigmine
Other Interactions:
Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain mediations may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems:
Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Bleeding
Overactive thyroid - Oxybutynin may increase heart rate, which may make these conditions worse.
Urinary bladder blockage - Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Stomach problems (i.e. gastric retention)
Urinary retention (hard to pass urine) - Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
3 Proper usage
Only take this medication as directed by your doctor. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.
This medication comes with a patient information brochure. It is very important that your read this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
When taking the extended release tablets, swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush or chew it. You may take it with or without food and should take it at the same time every day. When taking this medication, part of the tablet may pass into your stool. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Dosing:
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication. The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
Extended release tablets:
Adults - Start with 5-10mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. The dose is not normally more than 50mg per day.
Children 6 years of age and older - Start with 5mg once per day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. The dose is not normally more than 30mg per day.
Children under 6 years of age - Use is not recommended.
Tablets and syrup:
Adults and children 12 years of age and older - 5mg 2-3 times per day.
Children 5-12 years of age - 5mg 2-3 times per day. Your doctor may increase the dose as needed. The dose is not normally more than 15mg per day.
Children younger than 5 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose:
If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage:
Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep our of the reach of children.
Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions to take
It is very important that your doctor checks in with the you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working properly.
Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor.
This medication may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called angioedema, which is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency medical help.
Inform your doctor immediately if you have:
a rash,
itching,
large, hive-like swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet or sex organs,
difficulty breathing or chest tightness while using this medication.
This medication may add to the affects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medications that make your drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or allergy medications, sedatives or sleeping medications, prescription pain medications or narcotics, medications for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants or anaesthetics. Inform your doctor if you are using any of the above while on this medication.
This medication may cause anxiety, confusion, irritability, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness or hallucinations. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medication or when the dose is increased. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
This medication may cause your eyes to be more sensitive to light than normal (photosensitivity). Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort.
This medication may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy or less alert than normal. This is more likely to happen when you begin taking this medication, or when you increase the dosage. Make sure you know how you react to this medication before driving, using machinery or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
This medication can make you sweat less, which raises the body’s temperature. Be careful not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while taking this medication, as becoming overheated can result in heat stroke.
This medication may cause dryness of the mouth, eyes and nose. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt ice chips in your mouth or use a saliva substitute. If dry mouth continues longer than 2 weeks, call your doctor. Continuing mouth dryness may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease and oral yeast infections.
5 Potential side effects
If you notice any side effects of Ditropan, immediately make an appointment with your doctor.
A medication may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
Rare:
Eye pain
Skin rash or hives
Get immediate emergency help if any of the following signs of overdose occur:
Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
Unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
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