Warnings & Recalls for Ditropan
Pregnancy and Ditropan
Ditropan has been listed as an FDA pregnancy Category B medication.Ditropan is not known to cause harm to the fetus if taken by a pregnant woman nor if it could pass into breast milk and harm a baby that is nursing. Patients who are pregnant, breast-feeding or planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor before taking Ditropan.
General Warnings
Patients who have
allergies related to Ditropan or anyone who has an
obstruction clogging their stomach or intestinal passage, or
cannot urinate should not take Ditropan. To be sure you may safely use Ditropan, let your doctor know about any of the following conditions you may have:
- glaucoma (pressure in the eye)
- disease of the liver or kidney
- any muscle problems (for example, myasthenia gravis which causes weakness of muscle and muscle nerves)
- trouble digesting, stomach disorders or any acid reflux problems
- ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)
- an enlarged or inflamed prostate
Patients should know that Ditropan may cause vision problems or decrease alertness and can interfere with your daily activities. Be sure to keep cool and stay out of the heat and avoid dehydration while exercising to prevent a
heat stroke.
Ditropan Drug Interactions
Certain drugs may interact with Ditropan and could be unsafe. Inform your healthcare provider about
all drugs you are taking, especially:
- other medicines for your condition
- ulcer treatments
- drugs for controlling arrhythmia
- medications for schizophrenia, or antidepressants
- mepenzolate
- HIV/AIDS treatments
- antibiotics and antifungals
- medicines for breathing disorders (bronchodilators)
- drugs for irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, vomiting or dizziness
- any other anticholinergics or similar muscarinic medications
Ditropan Treatment and Use
Ditropan | Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication marketed by Novartis for controlling and reducing symptoms of an overactive bladder or other bladder problems. Ditropan may relieve these conditions by:
- decreasing frequency of urination
- preventing urgent urination
- increasing bladder control
- reducing bladder muscle spasms
Ditropan may also be effective in relieving side effects of spina bifida, a condition in which the spinal cord is underdeveloped.
How does Ditropan Work?
Ditropan works by interfering with cholinergic receptors which may signal the bladder muscle to contract and cause side effects of frequent, uncontrollable or urgent urination. This medicine helps to relax the bladder to allow for a greater capacity to reduce these problems.
How to Take Ditropan
Ditropan is available in tablet, extended-release tablet, and oral suspension (liquid) to be taken orally. It is typically recommended that Ditropan tablet and oral suspension be taken between 2 to 4 times each day as prescribed. Extended-release tablets should be taken once every 24 hours.
Tablets should not be broken, crushed or chewed. Swallow tablets with a full glass of water.
Take only the amount instructed to use by your doctor. You may be required to start your treatment at a small dose to be increased gradually. If symptoms of your condition have not shown improvement after a total of 8 weeks, be sure to contact your doctor to adjust your treatment.
Serious Side Effects of Ditropan