Ditropan

What you should know before using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatrics

There is no specific information about the use of oxybutynin in children under 5 years of age. In older children, oxybutynin is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of oxybutynin. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment.

Breast Feeding

Studies suggest that this medication may alter milk production or composition. If an alternative to this medication is not prescribed, you should monitor the infant for side effects and adequate milk intake.

Drug Interactions

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Potassium Chloride

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bleeding (severe)—Oxybutynin may increase heart rate, which may make this condition worse

• Colitis (severe) or
• Dryness of mouth (severe and continuing) or
• Enlarged prostate or
• Glaucoma or
• Heart disease or
• Hiatal hernia or
• High blood pressure (hypertension) or
• Intestinal blockage or other intestinal or stomach problems or
• Myasthenia gravis or
• Toxemia of pregnancy or
• Urinary tract blockage or problems with urination—Oxybutynin may make these conditions worse

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—Higher blood levels of oxybutynin may occur, which increases the chance of side effects

• Overactive thyroid—Oxybutynin may further increase heart rate