Ditropan XL is an extended-release tablet that is usually taken once a day. Take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and try to take it at about the same time each day. It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole with water or another liquid. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, because it is designed to release the medicine slowly throughout the day.
Recommended Dose for Adults
For adults, the usual starting dose is 5 mg or 10 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on how well Ditropan XL controls your bladder symptoms and whether you experience side effects.
If needed, the dose may be increased by 5 mg at a time, usually at about weekly intervals. The maximum recommended adult dose is 30 mg once daily.
For example, your healthcare provider may increase the dose from 5 mg to 10 mg, then to 15 mg if additional symptom control is needed. Dose changes should only be made under medical supervision.
Recommended Dose for Children
For children 6 years of age and older with bladder overactivity related to a neurological condition, the usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily.
The dose may be increased in 5 mg steps depending on the child’s response and side effects. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily.
The dose should always be determined by a healthcare provider.
Why is Ditropan XL Taken Once a Day?
The XL means extended release. Ditropan XL is specially designed to release oxybutynin gradually over the day rather than all at once.
Because of this extended-release design, Ditropan XL is usually taken once daily. This is different from immediate-release oxybutynin, which may need to be taken several times per day.
Do Not Crush or Chew the Tablet
Swallow Ditropan XL whole. Crushing, chewing, or breaking an extended-release tablet can interfere with the way the medicine is released.
If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist rather than crushing the medication.
Taking Ditropan XL With Food
Ditropan XL can generally be taken with or without food. Try to take it the same way and at approximately the same time each day to make your medication routine easier to follow.
If the medicine upsets your stomach, ask your healthcare provider whether taking it with food may help.
How is the Dose Adjusted?
Your healthcare provider will choose a dose based on:
- Your bladder symptoms
- How well the medicine is working
- Any side effects you experience
- Your age and overall health
- Other medicines you may be taking
Dose increases are generally made gradually rather than all at once. For adults, increases may occur in 5 mg steps at approximately weekly intervals.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
What If You Take Too Much?
Do not take more Ditropan XL than prescribed. Taking too much oxybutynin can increase anticholinergic effects and may cause serious symptoms.
If you accidentally take more than your prescribed amount, contact a healthcare provider, pharmacist, poison control service, or seek urgent medical care as appropriate.
When Should the Dose Be Changed?
Do not increase or decrease your dose on your own. Contact your healthcare provider if your bladder symptoms remain bothersome or if you develop side effects such as severe dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, or difficulty urinating.
Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose to find the best balance between symptom relief and side effects.
Important Reminder
Ditropan XL is a once-daily extended-release medication, and its dosing should not be confused with immediate-release oxybutynin. Adults generally start with 5 mg or 10 mg once daily, with a maximum of 30 mg per day. Children aged 6 years and older who are being treated for certain neurogenic bladder conditions generally start with 5 mg once daily, with a maximum of 20 mg per day.
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