DITROPAN ^®

What to do if you missed your DITROPAN ^® dose

Other known brand names

Ditropan XL

About Ditropan

Ditropan contains oxybutynin as its active ingredient. It is classed as an antimuscarinic (or anticholinergic) muscle relaxant. Ditropan is used to treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as:

• Urinary urgency (a sudden and urgent need to pee)
• Urinary frequency (needing to pee more often than usual)
• Urinary incontinence (wetting yourself)

Oxybutynin relaxes smooth muscle around your bladder, allowing your bladder to hold more liquid, stopping you from needing to pee as often or as urgently.

NowPatient offers oxybutynin or the brand Ditropan as treatments for urinary incontinence only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Ditropan

• For the treatment of urinary incontinence
• Ditropan can take about 3 to 4 hours to start working, but may take up to 4 weeks to start working fully
• Ditropan has some common side effects which include dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision and constipation
• It can be dangerous if you take Ditropan with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician

Who is Ditropan suitable for?

Ditropan is suitable for adults and children 5 years of age and over.

Who is Ditropan not suitable for?

Ditropan may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Ditropan if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to oxybutynin in the past
• Have a certain nervous system disorder (autonomic neuropathy)
• Have myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness)
• Have narrow-angle glaucoma
• Have an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating
• Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Have a hiatus hernia
• Have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Have heart disease or high blood pressure
• Have hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
• Have liver or kidney disease

How and where to get Ditropan?

Ditropan is available, only with a prescription. It is not available over the counter at a pharmacy.

NowPatient does not allow customers to buy Ditropan directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of urinary incontinence, you can discuss if Ditropan is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Ditropan for urinary incontinence

Oxybutynin is available in various dosage forms. It is available as 2.5mg, 3mg or 5mg immediate-release tablets, 5mg or 10mg extended-release tablets, 2.5 mg or 5 mg per 5 mL liquid, or as transdermal patches. NowPatient offers Ditropan as 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets only.

Information about how to take Ditropan for urinary incontinence

Swallow Ditropan tablets whole with a glass of water, with or without food. The starting dose is normally one 2.5 mg tablet, twice a day, or one 2.5 mg tablet, 3 times a day. If you are taking extended-release tablets, swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets. The transdermal patches are applied twice a week. Apply patched to dry, clean skin on your bottom, hip, or stomach. Speak to a healthcare professional if you need further medical advice.

What happens if you take too much Ditropan?

If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Ditropan and you experience any of the following side effects.

What are the side effects of Ditropan?

Possible side effects of Ditropan are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness, headache, drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, passing wind, belching
• Dry eyes, blurred vision

Serious side effects include:

• Arrhythmia
• Mydriasis (pupil dilation)
• Faecal impaction
• Urinary retention
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Agitation, confusion, hallucinations or somnolence
• Swollen ankles or legs

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience serious allergic reactions or angioedema with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Information about taking Ditropan at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Ditropan. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or prescription drugs:

• Amantadine used for Parkinson’s disease
• Clozapine, haloperidol or benperidol
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline
• Prochlorperazine
• Digoxin
• Fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole

Can Ditropan taken for urinary incontinence be taken long-term?

You should not take Ditropan any longer than it is needed. Your doctor will check that you still require your treatment every 6 to 12 months.

Is there a herbal Ditropan?

No. Herbal Ditropan does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use Ditropan?

Women can only take Ditropan for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant.

Ditropan is not normally recommended if you are breastfeeding. However, your doctor may say it’s OK for you to continue taking Ditropan. You should check your baby for side effects, such as colic and constipation.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Ditropan?

You can eat and drink normally when taking Ditropan, however you are advised to reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with urinary incontinence?

Modifying your lifestyle may have a positive impact on your urinary incontinence and quality of life. These may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle training to improve your bladder control
• Stay well hydrated to maintain a healthy urinary function
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Urinate when you feel the urge to
• When urinating, wait once you have finished for a few moments, and then try again to make sure the bladder is emptied completely

Alternatives to Ditropan

Alternatives for the treatment of urinary incontinence include Betmiga, Yentreve and Emselex.

Sources

Oxybutynin – a medicine for treating symptoms of an overactive bladder – NHS