DITROPAN XL

Ditropan XL Used For

Ditropan XL controlled-release tablet is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. It is also indicated in the treatment of pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with symptoms of detrusor over-activity associated with a neurological condition such as spina bifida.

Directions for Ditropan XL

The recommended starting dose of Ditropan XL for adults and children is 5 mg once daily. Dosage may be adjusted in 5-mg increments up to a maximum of 30 mg/day for adults and 20 mg/day for children respectively, to meet tolerance and efficary requirements. In general, dosage adjustments must be made only at weekly intervals. The drug can be administered with or without food.

How Ditropan XL works

Patients with hepatic or renal impairment or myasthenia gravis may get aggravated symptoms when treated with Ditropan XL. Patients with bladder outflow obstruction may be at risk of urinary retention while on Ditropan XL. Like other anticholinergic drugs, this medication can also reduce gastrointestinal motility and lead to gastric retention in patients with ulcerative colitis and intestinal atony. The drug should be used with caution in patients who have gastro-esophageal reflux and/or who are concurrently taking drugs (such as bisphosphonates) that can cause or exacerbate esophagitis. When administered in high environmental temperature, Ditropan XL can also cause heat prostration (fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating). The active ingredient oxybutynin may produce drowsiness (somnolence) or blurred vision and so patients on the medication should exercise caution and stay away from driving or using machines.

Side effects of Ditropan XL

Like all other medications, Ditropan XL also has its side effects which include dose related dry mouth, abdominal pain, dry nasal and sinus mucous membranes, accidental injury, back pain, flu like symptoms, hypertension, palpitation, vasodilatation, flatulence, gastro-esophageal reflux, arthritis, insomnia, nervousness, confusion, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, impaired urination (hesitancy), increased post void residual volume, urinary retention, cystitis, peripheral edema, cardiac arrhythmia, tachycardia, hallucinations, convulsions and impotence. It is advisable to consult a doctor in case symptoms become aggravated or persist over an extended period.

Other Ditropan XL Information

Ditropan XL tablets must be swallowed whole with the aid of liquids, and must not be chewed, divided, or crushed. The medication is supplied in a non-absorbable shell that releases the drug at a controlled rate. The tablet shell is eliminated from the body; patients should not be concerned if they occasionally notice something that looks like a tablet in their stool.