Oxybutynin Chloride ER

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Mar 16, 2023

Warnings

Oxybutynin Chloride ER (DITROPAN XL) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Oxybutynin chloride ER can cause serious health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for overactive bladder if you are at an increased risk of complications from oxybutynin chloride ER use.

ANGIOEDEMA: Rarely, taking oxybutynin can cause angioedema, a potentially life-threatening swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, and other organs. This can lead to difficulty breathing. Angioedema can happen any time, after the first administered dose or after a patient’s final dose. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you develop swelling in the head and neck while taking oxybutynin chloride ER.
NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS: Oxybutynin chloride ER can cause side effects like drowsiness, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations. These side effects are more common when you first start taking the medicine and if you’re taking higher doses of oxybutynin. The risk is also greater if you are taking anticholinesterase medications for dementia or a certain nervous system disorder like Parkinson’s disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop these symptoms. Your doctor may lower your dose or switch you to another medication.
WORSENING OF CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS: Oxybutynin chloride ER can worse a certain muscle disease such as myasthenia gravis, problems with urination, and stomach and intestinal conditions like acid reflux disease, ulcerative colitis, decreased gastrointestinal motility, gastrointestinal obstructive disorders, or preexisting severe gastrointestinal narrowing. Tell your healthcare professional about all your medical conditions before starting this medicine. Promptly discontinue oxybutynin therapy and call your doctor if you develop any new or worsening symptoms while on this drug.
DEHYDRATION: Oxybutynin chloride exerts anticholinergic effects and can lead to decreased sweating, thereby affecting your ability to regulate body temperature in hot weather. This can lead to dehydration and overheating (heat exhaustion or heat stroke), especially in hot weather and if you are exercising vigorously. Stay well hydrated and avoid exercising in hot temperatures while on this medication.

Precautions Before Starting Oxybutynin Chloride ER (DITROPAN XL)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to oxybutynin chloride ER, any of the active or inactive ingredients in oxybutynin chloride ER formulations, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medicines, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions between concomitantly administered drugs.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Oxybutynin chloride ER may not be right for people with certain medical conditions such as narrow angle glaucoma, incomplete bladder emptying, slowed or incomplete gastric emptying, ulcerative colitis, acid reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), hiatal hernia, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), myasthenia gravis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, fast or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, benign prostatic hypertrophy, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breast feeding.

Discuss the pros and cons of taking this medication with your doctor if you are an older adult (65 years of age or above). This medication can affect mental abilities in elderly individuals. There may be other safer medications available to treat your symptoms.

Precautions During Use of Oxybutynin Chloride ER (DITROPAN XL)

Keep all your healthcare appointments during treatment with oxybutynin chloride ER.

This medication can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires your full concentration until you know how oxybutynin chloride ER affects you. Avoid alcohol while on this medication because alcohol can make these side effects worse.

Oxybutynin chloride ER can lead to decreased sweating and inability to regulate body temperature in hot conditions. Stay well hydrated and avoid vigorous exercise in hot weather. Call your doctor without delay if you develop signs and symptoms of heat stroke such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, fast heart rate, and headache.

Inform all your healthcare providers that you are on oxybutynin before any surgery, including dental procedures.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while on this medicine.

Oxybutynin Chloride ER (DITROPAN XL) Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how oxybutynin chloride ER works. Possible interactions between oxybutynin chloride ER and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Some of the medications that may have possible drug interactions with oxybutynin include:
Certain antibiotics like erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and tetracycline (Sumycin, Bristamycin, Tetrex)
Certain antifungal drugs like itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and miconazole (Monistat)
Antihistamines
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
Medications used to treat heart rhythm abnormalities such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) and quinidine
H2 blockers like cimetidine (Tagamet)
Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem (Dilacor, Cardizem, Tiazac) and verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Covera, Isoptin)
Antidepressants like fluvoxamine and nefazodone
Asthma medications like ipratropium (Atrovent)
HIV medications such as nelfinavir (Viracept), indinavir (Crixivan), and ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra)
Medications used to treat irritable bowel disease, Parkinson's disease, stomach ulcers, motion sickness, and urinary problems
Osteoporosis medications like alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), and ibandronate (Boniva)
Iron supplements
Potassium supplements

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

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