Information about Oxybutynin (Generic Ditropan) :


Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic used to relieve symptoms of bladder problems (urinary urgency, frequency, or leakage; loss of bladder control; and painful urination). This medicine relaxes muscles in the bladder.
It may also be administered for other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Oxybutynin in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Oxybutynin; you have bladder blockage or are unable to urinate; you have certain stomach or bowel problems (eg, blockage, decreased muscle movement) or tightening of the esophagus; you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma; you have heart problems caused by severe bleeding.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Oxybutynin:
Before using Oxybutynin you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have trouble urinating or have very poor health; you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure, fast or irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, nervous system problems, esophagus problems (eg, reflux disease, inflammation), stomach or bowel problems (eg, colitis, inflammation), or hiatal hernia; you have a history of liver or kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, an enlarged prostate, an overactive thyroid, or glaucoma, or if you are at risk for glaucoma.

Be aware that Oxybutynin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine), azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), or macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin) because they may increase the risk of Oxybutynin 's side effects; bisphosphonates (eg, alendronate) because the risk of irritation of the esophagus may be increased; Phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Oxybutynin and they may increase the risk of Oxybutynin 's side effects.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Oxybutynin:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Oxybutynin should be taken orally with or without food at the same time each day. Do not stop taking Oxybutynin event if you feel well. Try not to miss any doses.

In case you miss a dose of Oxybutynin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Oxybutynin usage may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Try to avoid such activities.

You should know that Oxybutynin usage may lead to decreased sweating. Try to avoid overheating in hot weather or while you are being active. Consult with your doctor in case you have been exposed to high temperatures and you experience fever; flushing; hot, dry skin; severe or persistent headache; dizziness; sudden fatigue; fast heartbeat; seizures; or fainting.
You may experience dry mouth while using Oxybutynin. Sucking on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chewing sugarless gum, drinking water, or using a saliva substitute helps to relieve dry mouth.

The ELDERLY may be more sensitive to effects of Oxybutynin. Use it with caution in this group.

Use Oxybutynin with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 5 years old as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
It is not clear whether Oxybutynin is deleterious to the fetus. In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Oxybutynin while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Oxybutynin passes into breast milk. In case you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Oxybutynin, consult with your doctor and discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Oxybutynin:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: blurred vision; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry eyes, nose, skin, or mouth; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; taste changes; trouble sleeping.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; difficult or painful urination; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; seizures; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; vision problems.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.