Ditropan XL (oxybutynin)

July 28th, 2021 | drugs

Generic name: oxybutynin (oral) (OX i BUE ti nin)
Brand name: Ditropan XL
Drug class: Urinary antispasmodics

The Ditropan brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.

Ditropan XL (oxybutynin) reduces muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.

Ditropan XL is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination, incontinence (urine leakage), and increased night-time urination.

Ditropan XL may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Ditropan XL if you have

  • untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;
  • a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); or
  • if you are unable to urinate.

Before using Ditropan XL, tell your doctor if you have

  • Glaucoma;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • an enlarged prostate;
  • myasthenia gravis;
  • Parkinson's disease;
  • dementia or Alzheimer’s disease;
  • a nerve disorder that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or digestion;
  • ulcerative colitis;
  • a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn; or
  • slow digestion.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Ditropan XL can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

There are many other medicines that can interact with oxybutynin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as hot and dry skin, extreme thirst, severe stomach pain or constipation, pain or burning when you urinate, or if you stop urinating.

Before using Ditropan XL

You should not use Ditropan XL if you are allergic to oxybutynin, or if you have:

  • untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;
  • a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); or
  • if you are unable to urinate.

To make sure Ditropan XL is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • glaucoma;
  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • an enlarged prostate;
  • ulcerative colitis;
  • Parkinson's disease;
  • dementia or Alzheimer’s disease;
  • a nerve disorder that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or digestion;
  • a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis; or
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn;
  • or slow digestion.

Tell your doctor if you are unable to swallow pills whole.

Ditropan XL is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Ditropan XL passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Ditropan XL?

Take Ditropan XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medication with a full glass of water. Try to take this medication at the same time each day.

Ditropan XL may be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release Ditropan XL tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose can lead to seizures or convulsions, flushing, fevers, dehydration, heart rhythm problems, vomiting, or the inability to urinate. Overdose can lead to death.

What should I avoid?

Ditreopan XL may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Ditropan XL can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Ditropan XL side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Ditropan XL: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Ditropan XL and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
  • severe stomach pain or constipation;
  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) or confusion;
  • severe tiredness or drowsiness;
  • pain or burning when you urinate; or
  • little or no urinating.

Ditropan XL can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and myasthenia gravis.

Common Ditropan XL side effects may include:

  • dry mouth;
  • dry eyes, blurred vision;
  • mild constipation;
  • headache or dizziness; or
  • drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Ditropan XL?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Ditropan XL with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Ditropan XL, especially:

  • other bladder or urinary medicines such as darifenacin, fesoterodine, tolterodine, solifenacin, and others;
  • bisphosphonate medications to treat osteoporosis (alendronate, Fosamax, ibandronate, Boniva, risendronate, Actonel, others);
  • bronchodilators such as ipratropium or tiotropium;
  • cold or allergy medicine that contains an antihistamine;
  • medication for Parkinson's disease;
  • medication to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;
  • antifungal medication including ketoconazole; or
  • certain antibiotics including erythromycin or clarithromycin..

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Ditropan XL, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

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