Driptane (oxybutynin, antispasmodic agent)

Driptane is the brand name of the drug oxybutynin. Oxybutynin is an antispasmodic that treats bladder control problems, such as incontinence and polyuria (frequent urination).

Uses

What is Driptane used for?

Driptane is commonly used for treating:

• Urinary incontinence (involuntary daily or nocturnal enuresis)
• Urinary urgency (the need to urinate immediately)
• Excessive frequency of urination in unstable bladder
• Neurogenic vesical disorders (disorders bladder certain diseases of the nervous system)

How should I take Driptane?

To take this drug, you should:

• Followed exactly the doctor’s prescription.
• Take it by mouth.
• Tablets should be taken before meals with a glass of water.
• They can be taken during a meal or a glass of milk in case of stomach pain.

How do I store Driptane?

This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. 

There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Driptane?

Before using this drug, you should know that:

• Your doctor will see you again after 4 to 6 weeks to reassess your treatment.
• Oxybutynin should not be used to treat urinary incontinence, caused by stress or effort.
• Oxybutynin hydrochloride should be used with caution in elderly patients and in children who may be more sensitive to the effects of oxybutynin, and in patients with autonomic neuropathy, hiatus hernia or other severe gastrointestinal symptoms, liver and kidney disorders, tachyarrhythmia or cerebrovascular insufficiency.
• After the administration of oxybutynin, it is possible to worsen the symptoms or side effects in patients with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), certain heart problems (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia) and prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate volume). If you suffer from any of these diseases, contact your doctor.
• Chronic administration of oxybutynin may lead to discomfort due to salivary failure which can cause the occurrence of caries, gingivitis, or candidiasis of the oral cavity (a fungal infection in the mouth). In urinary tract infections should be given appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
• Under conditions of high ambient temperature, treatment with oxybutynin may cause decreased sweating and result in an insufficient and unacceptable response by the mechanisms regulating the temperature by reflecting the emergence of heatstroke. This risk is increased by the elderly or very young (the elderly, infants, and children) or the presence of chronic disease (in particular cardiovascular, renal, or psychiatric).

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Driptane is a pregnancy category B drug. This means that animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus but there are no adequate or well-controlled studies in humans. Therefore, only take this medication if your doctor prescribes it.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Driptane?

Some side effects can occur when using this drug, including:

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Mydriasis (widening of the pupil)
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Flushing
• Agitation
• Difficulty in urinating (dysuria)
• Diarrhea
• GERD
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Nightmares
• Cognitive disorders (confusion, agitation, delirium)
• Convulsions
• Tachycardia
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Blurred vision
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Development of narrow-angle glaucoma
• Dry eye
• Difficulty in micturition and urinary retention
• Dry skin
• Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, urticaria, and angioedema

Not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Driptane?

Driptane® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Products may interact with this drug, such as:

• Lisuride
• Atropine and other preparations containing atropine
• Imapriminovi antidepressants
• Sedative antihistamines
• Atropinic antispasmodic medicines
• Anti-Parkinsonian drugs
• Disopyramide
• Phenothiazine neuroleptics

Does food or alcohol interact with Driptane?

This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Driptane?

This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Neurological symptoms
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Hepatic disease
• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract infection
• Abnormalities in heart rhythm
• Diseases of the brain
• Congenital galactose intolerance
• Poor absorption of glucose and galactose
• Deficiency syndrome lactose (rare metabolic diseases)

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose for an adult?

The starting dose is half a tablet, 3 times daily. The usual dosage is one tablet, 2 or 3 times daily.

Your doctor may increase the dose to a maximum of one tablet four times a day. If you are an elderly patient, the initial dose is half a tablet, twice a day. The usual dose is one tablet, twice daily.

What is the dose for a child?

The starting dose is half a tablet, twice a day.

5 to 9 years old, the usual dose is 1/2 tablet, 3 times a day.

9 to 12 years old, the usual dose is one tablet, twice a day.

Children over 12 years, the usual dose is one tablet, 3 times a day.

How is Driptane available?

Driptane is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Driptane 5 mg tablets

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.