oxybutynin extended-release – oral, Ditropan XL

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This is a long-acting form of oxybutynin used to treat overactive bladder and urinary conditions. It relaxes bladder muscles to decrease urgency and frequent urination. Oxybutynin belongs to a class of drugs called antispasmodics. It is also used in children 6 years and older with an overactive bladder due to certain nerve disorders (e.g., spina bifida). HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. The length of treatment is determined by your doctor who may suggest periodic trials off the drug to evaluate continued need. Swallow this medication with liquids. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. Swallow whole or split tablets without crushing or chewing. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, blurred vision, dry eyes, unusual taste in mouth, dry/flushed skin, stuffy nose, and cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute. To relieve dry eyes, use artificial tears or other eye lubricants. Consult your pharmacist for further advice. To prevent constipation, maintain a fiber-rich diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If constipated, consult your pharmacist for help choosing a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type with stool softener). For certain products, an empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless. Serious side effects are rare. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely side effects occur: decreased sexual activity, difficulty urinating, fast/pounding heartbeat, signs of kidney infection (burning/painful/frequent urination, lower back pain, fever), mental/mood changes (confusion), swelling of arms/legs/ankles/feet, vision problems (eye pain). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, stomach/intestinal blockage (persistent nausea/vomiting, prolonged constipation). A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms may include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking oxybutynin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active internal bleeding, untreated/uncontrolled glaucoma (narrow-angle), or severe blockage/slowed movement of stomach/intestines (e.g., gastric retention, paralytic ileus), decreased bladder emptying activity (urinary retention). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your specific medical history, especially of: bladder disease (e.g., bladder outflow blockage), certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias), high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, loss of mental abilities (dementia), certain nervous system disorder (autonomic neuropathy), enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hypertrophy-BPH), stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., acid reflux disease, hiatal hernia, ulcerative colitis), severe throat/stomach/intestinal narrowing (strictures), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure you can do so safely. Limit alcohol consumption. This drug may increase the risk for heatstroke. Avoid overheating in hot weather, saunas, or during strenuous activity. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, and trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professional may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them. Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, glycopyrrolate, scopolamine), other antispasmodic drugs (e.g., clidinium, dicyclomine, propantheline), certain anti-Parkinson’s drugs (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), belladonna alkaloids, bisphosphonate drugs (e.g., alendronate, etidronate, risedronate), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove oxybutynin from your body (such as azole antifungals-including ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics-including erythromycin, cimetidine, rifamycins-including rifabutin, St. John’s wort, certain anti-seizure medicines-including carbamazepine), potassium tablets/capsules, and pramlintide. Also, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as certain antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-seizure drugs, sleep medicine, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, psychiatric medicines, or tranquilizers. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients causing drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include delirium and paralysis. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely discard your product. Information last revised November 2013. Copyright© 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.