OXYBUTYNIN CHLORIDE – ORAL (ox-ee-BYOU-tih-nin KLOR-ide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ditropan
USES: This medication relaxes muscle spasms of the bladder. It is used to relieve certain bladder and urinary conditions.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication as directed.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth or eyes, headache, constipation, nausea, or drowsiness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: weakness, dizziness, vision problems, symptoms of urinary infection (e.g., urinary burning, urgent or frequent urination). Unlikely but report promptly: eye pain, difficulty with urination, severe stomach pain, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes, flushing hot or dry skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: heart problems, liver or kidney disease, stomach or intestine problems, glaucoma (narrow angle), overactive thyroid, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate in men), muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), any allergies. Because this medication may cause drowsiness or blurred vision, use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol consumption because it may add to these effects. This medication reduces sweating, which can lead to heat stroke in hot weather or saunas. Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather. Use with caution in the elderly, since they may be more sensitive to side effects of this medication. Use with extreme caution in young children, since they may be more sensitive to side effects of this medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you use, especially: bisphosphonate drugs (e.g., alendronate, etidronate); macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin); azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole); anti-Parkinson’s drugs (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl); other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., scopolamine or tolterodine). Also report other drugs which may cause drowsiness, such as: anti-anxiety or anti-seizure drugs; sedatives or tranquilizers; narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine); psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, amitriptyline); muscle relaxants; sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine (this also includes anti- histamines found in nonprescription cough/cold products). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, tremor, irritability, flushing, fever, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, and slow breathing.
NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze the liquid forms.