Warnings & Recalls for Ditropan
Ditropan and Pregnancy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Ditropan as a
pregnancy Category B drug. Ditropan is
not known to cause harm to the fetus if taken by a woman who is pregnant. Sufficient research has not been conducted to determine if Ditropan may pass through breast-milk or harm a nursing baby. If you are
pregnant,
may become pregnant, or are
breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using Ditropan.
General Warnings
Patients who are
allergic to Ditropan, have
narrow-angle glaucoma that is not controlled, have a
clogged digestive tract, or
cannot urinate should not use Ditropan. Let your doctor know about
all health conditions you may have, particularly:
- liver or kidney disease
- glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve)
- an enlarged or swollen prostate
- ulcerative colitis
- any obstruction of the stomach or intestines
- muscle problems
- any stomach or gastrointestinal disorders, including acid reflux
Keep
hydrated and cool while taking Ditropan. This medication may cause a decrease in persperation (sweating) and could
increase your risk of a heat stroke when partaking in exercise or other activities that may cause you to become overheated. Tell your healthcare provider about
all medicines you are using, and ask about any drugs which could potentially
interact with Ditropan.
Avoid taking any medicines which can
induce sleepiness (e.g. narcotics, pain relievers, or sleeping pills) while using Ditropan; you may become extremely tired and your functions may be impaired. The following
may interactwith Ditropan:
- antibiotics and antifungals
- HIV or AIDS medicines
- breathing disorder treatments
- drugs for irritable bowel syndrome
- similar medicines for bladder problems
- antidepressants
- schizophrenia medications
- ulcer treatments
- heart-regulating drugs
Ditropan Treatment and Use
Ditropan | oxybutynin hydrochloride is an anticholinergic medicine marketed by Alza Corporation for treating symptoms of bladder muscle disorders such as an overactive bladder or spina bifida(incomplete spinal cord closure). Ditropan may be prescribed for:
- reducing feelings of having to urinate frequently
- increasing bladder control
- decreasing the sense of urgency to urinate
- preventing pain during urination
Ditropan was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1998 for reducing bladder muscle conditions.
How Does Ditropan Work?
Bladder problems occur when the bladder muscle constricts and tightens, decreasing its capacity. Ditropan works in the bladder by interfering with muscarinic receptors and prevents the muscles from contracting so that the bladder may hold more fluid and side effects of bladder disorders may be prevented.
How to Use Ditropan
Ditropan comes in extended-release tablets, tablets, or an oral suspension (liquid). Ditropan is normally prescribed to be taken in 5 mg doses, 2 or 3 times daily. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not break or chew tablets. Use the correct dose-measuring device when pouring the liquid suspension. Take Ditropan as directed by your doctor.
