Ditropan (dee-TRA-pane)

Ditropan (oxybutynin [OX-i-BYOO-ti-nin]) is an antimuscarinic drug used to relax the muscles in the bladder and urinary tract. It is an antispasmodic that aids in treating urinary frequency and urgency.

Ditropan Warnings

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or larynx may occur while taking this medication, especially after the first dose. Swelling involving your upper airway may be life threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use of ditropan immediately and seek prompt medical attention.

Ditropan may interact with other medications; inform your physician of any prescription or nonprescription products you take before beginning treatment with this drug.

See special precautions for other warnings.

Why is Ditropan Prescribed for Prostatitis?

Ditropan is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably, causing frequent urination and an urgent need to urinate. Some men with chronic prostatitits/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) develop symptoms of urgent, frequent, or uncontrolled urination.

How Should Ditropan Be Used?

This medication is taken orally, usually two or three times daily.

Ditropan comes in 5, 10, or 15 mg tablets, both immediate release and extended release. It also comes in the form of a 3.9 mg patch, as a 5 mg/5 ml syrup, or as a transdermal gel (3% or 10%).

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dose. Dose is based on diagnosis and response to treatment. Length of treatment is determined by your physician.

If using Ditropan in syrup form, be sure to measure the dose carefully.

This medication should be used regularly to experience the most benefit from it.

Take Ditropan at the same time(s) each day.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Ditropan may control symptoms, but it will not cure prostatitis.

It may take six to eight weeks before you start to see an improvement in your symptoms.

Other Uses for Ditropan

This medication is used to treat bladder spasms, loss of bladder control, overactive bladder, and need to frequently urinate. It may also be prescribed to treat symptoms of diseases such as spina bifida.

Do I Need To Follow Special Precautions?

Before taking Ditropan, inform your physician if you have an allergy to it or any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction.

Ditropan may cause hallucinations, agitation, confusion, or sleepiness. Patients taking this medication should be monitored for these effects, especially in the first few months of treatment or after increasing the dose. If these effects occur, your physician should advise you to stop using Ditropan or reduce your dose.

If you have dementia prior to taking Ditropan and are being treated with cholinesterase inhibitors, Ditropan should be used with caution, as the risk of side effects may increase.

This medication should be used with caution in the following patients:

The elderly
Patients with liver or kidney problems
Patients with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder
Patients with clinically significant blockage at the base of the bladder
Patients with bowel obstruction

Ditropan may worsen symptoms associated with the following:

Overactive thyroid
Heart disease
Congestive heart failure
Heart arrhythmias
Hiatal hernia
Fast heart rate
High blood pressure
Prostatic hypertrophy

This medication is not recommended when a patient has certain medical conditions. Discuss your medical history with your physician before taking Ditropan, especially with the regard to the following:

Internal bleeding
Untreated glaucoma
Severe blockage of the intestines
Urinary retention
Bladder disease
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Dementia

Be sure to know how you respond to Ditropan before driving or performing any dangerous activity, such as operating machinery, as this drug may cause drowsiness.

Ditropan may heighten the risk for heatstroke. Avoid heat, saunas, and vigorous activity, as this medication decreases sweating.

In patients with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, Ditropan may produce a paralytic bowel obstruction and precipitate or worsen widening of the large intestine, a life-threatening condition. Ditropan should be used with caution in patients with ulcerative colitis.

This medication should be used with caution in patients who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also knows as acid reflux.

If being treated with bisphosphonates, use caution when taking Ditropan.

Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Ditropan?

Follow a diet high in fiber and drink a substantial amount of water to prevent constipation.

If you experience constipation while taking Ditropan, discuss laxative options with your pharmacist.

Be aware that alcohol consumption may make side effects worse.

What If I Forget a Dose?

If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.

Are There Side Effects When Taking Ditropan for Prostatitis?

Side effects may include:

Dizziness
Sleepiness
Dry mouth or eyes
Blurred vision
Nausea or indigestion
Burping
Constipation or diarrhea
Headache
Odd taste in the mouth
Weakness
Dry or red skin

If any of the above side effects persist or worsen, inform your physician promptly.

Inform your physician immediately if you experience any of the following rare, severe side effects:

Reduced sexual activity
Problems urinating
Rapid heartbeat
Lower back pain, fever, painful urination, frequent urination, or any other signs of kidney infection
Changes in mood
Swelling of the extremities
Difficulties with vision, including pain in the eyes
Seizures
Unceasing nausea or vomiting
Extended constipation

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including:

Rash
Itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
Acute dizziness
Difficulty breathing

Does Ditropan Have Special Storage Instructions?

Store this medication in its original container tightly sealed.

This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.

Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)

What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?

Symptoms of an overdose may include:

Restlessness
Tingly sensation
Fever
Irregular heart rate
Vomiting
Reduced urination or not urinating at all
Memory loss
Inability to move
Wide pupils
Agitation
Slow or difficult breathing
Coma

In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.