$Unique_ID{BRK02066}
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$Title{OXYBUTYNIN}
$Subject{Ditropan (Marion)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


OXYBUTYNIN
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Ditropan (Marion)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antispasmodic
INGREDIENT:
     oxybutynin
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (5 mg)
     Oral syrup (5 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
STORAGE:
     Oxybutynin tablets and syrup should be stored at room temperature in
       tightly closed containers.

USES

     Oxybutynin is used to relieve the symptoms associated with urinary
incontinence (inability to control the bladder) or urinary frequency.  It
works directly on the muscle of the bladder, increasing bladder capacity and
thereby delaying the desire to urinate.

TREATMENT

     Oxybutynin can be taken either on an empty stomach with water only or, to
reduce stomach irritation, with food or milk (as directed by your doctor).
     Each dose of the oral syrup should be measured carefully with a specially
designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate
enough.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bloating, blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, dizziness,
drowsiness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, or weakness.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can also cause increased sensitivity of your eyes to
sunlight.  Sunglasses may help relieve the discomfort caused by bright lights.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To help relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or
a piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
decreased sexual ability, difficult or painful urination, eye pain, itching,
palpitations, or skin rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Oxybutynin should not interact with other medications if it is used
according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to oxybutynin.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had bleeding disorders, glaucoma, heart
disease, hiatal hernia, high blood pressure, intestinal blockage, kidney
disease, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, enlarged prostate gland, thyroid
disease, toxemia of pregnancy, ulcerative colitis, or urinary retention.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or blurs your vision, avoid taking part in
any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body.
You should, therefore, try not to become overheated (avoid strenuous exercise
in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas).
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although oxybutynin
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.  This drug may
decrease milk production.  It is not known whether oxybutynin passes into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
