This is a long-acting form of oxybutynin that is used to treat overactive bladder and urinary conditions. It relaxes the muscles in the bladder to help decrease problems of urgency and frequent urination. Oxybutynin belongs to a class of drugs known as antispasmodics.

This medication is also used to treat children 6 years of age and older who have an overactive bladder due to certain nerve disorders (e.g., spina bifida).

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 whether you still need to be taking it.

Swallow this medication with the help of 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 the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

You should not use Ditropan if you have

• untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;
• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); or
• if you are unable to urinate.

Before using Ditropan, tell your doctor if you have

• Glaucoma;
• liver or kidney disease;
• an enlarged prostate;
• myasthenia gravis;
• Parkinson's disease;
• dementia or Alzheimer’s disease;
• a nerve disorder that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or digestion;
• ulcerative colitis;
• a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn; or
• slow digestion.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Ditropan can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

There are many other medicines that can interact with oxybutynin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as hot and dry skin, extreme thirst, severe stomach pain or constipation, pain or burning when you urinate, or if you stop urinating.

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 promptly.

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, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.

For certain products of this drug, an empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: decreased sexual activity, difficulty urinating, fast/pounding heartbeat, signs of kidney infection (such as burning/painful/frequent urination, lower back pain, fever), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), swelling of arms/legs/ankles/feet, vision problems (including eye pain), seizures, stomach/intestinal blockage (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, prolonged constipation).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.

What may interact with this medicine?

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• atropine
• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine
• clarithromycin
• erythromycin
• ipratropium
• medicines for fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It may take a few weeks to notice the full benefit from this medicine.

You may need to limit your intake tea, coffee, caffeinated sodas, and alcohol. These drinks may make your symptoms worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eyecare professional if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Avoid extreme heat. This medicine can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• agitation
• breathing problems
• confusion
• fever
• flushing (reddening of the skin)
• hallucinations
• memory loss
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• palpitations
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• headache
• sexual difficulties (impotence)