General Information on Ditropan
Ditropan is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of an overactive bladder such as urgent or frequent urination, increased urination at night, and urine leakage. The generic name of this drug is Oxybutynin.
Ditropan works by reducing involuntary contractions (spasms) of the bladder muscles. The drug achieves this by reducing the production of acetylcholine, a chemical that stimulates the contraction of bladder muscles, and by relaxing the detrusor muscle, the muscle along the bladder wall.
Ditropan is available in the form of extended release tablets in the following strengths: Ditropan 5 mg and Ditropan 10 mg. It is also available as an oral liquid of Ditropan 5 mg/ml strength. You should buy Ditropan only if your doctor has prescribed it for your treatment.
Side effects of Ditropan
Common side effects of Ditropan are: sleep problems, nausea, mild diarrhea, stomach upset, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, or dry eyes. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects become a cause for concern.
Less common side effects of this drug are: pain while urinating, less than normal or no urination, burning sensation while urinating, severe constipation or stomach pain, or extreme thirst. You must consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.
You should not buy Ditropan if you have a known allergy to oxybutynin or any other ingredient present in the preparation. If you are using the drug for the first time and experience an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical help. Allergic symptoms associated with Ditropan are: hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, facial flushing, skin rashes, itching, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Ditropan is contraindicated in patients who are not able to urinate or who have a blockage in the intestines or stomach. The presence of certain medical conditions may convince your doctor to adjust the dosage, or he/she may ask you to undergo tests to determine the safety of Ditropan. Therefore, it is necessary that you share your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have or have had: liver disease, glaucoma, ulcerative colitis, kidney disease, stomach or intestinal blockage, an enlarged prostate, a stomach disorder, or a muscle disorder like myasthenia gravis.
Ditropan is listed under pregnancy category B. Therefore, it is not expected to cause harm to a developing fetus. However, it is important that you consult a doctor before using Ditropan if you are pregnant.
The contents of this oral drug may enter breast milk and cause harm to a breastfeeding baby. As such, consult a doctor before using Ditropan if you are breastfeeding.
Dosage of Ditropan
The recommended dosage for adults is Ditropan 5 mg 2 to 3 times per day. Do not exceed the maximum daily dosage, which is Ditropan 20 mg or 4 tablets of Ditropan 5 mg. For geriatric patients, a lower starting dose of Ditropan 2.5 mg 2-3 times per day may be considered. For pediatric patients, the recommended daily dosage is Ditropan 5 mg given as a single dose. The maximum dosage for pediatric patients is Ditropan 15 mg or 3 tablets of Ditropan 5 mg.
Interactions
Certain drugs such as mepenzolate, antifungal drugs, antidepressants, bronchodilators, or HIV medicines may interact with Ditropan. To prevent any unwanted drug interactions, inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.