Driptan

Driptan (oxybutynin hydrochloride) is a medication used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder and reduce urinary frequency. It belongs to a class of drugs called antispasmodics, which help reduce bladder activity and reduce the feeling of urgency to urinate.

Oxybutynin hydrochloride, the main active ingredient in Driptan, is a muscarinic receptor antagonist. It blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bladder, resulting in decreased bladder contractions and an increase in bladder capacity. This may help control urinary frequency and reduce inspontaneous bladder contractions, which often occur in overactive bladder.

Driptan is available as tablets for oral administration. Please remember that Driptan should only be used under the direction of a physician who will determine the appropriate dosage and regimen based on the individual needs and condition of the patient.

Indications Driptana

1. Overactive bladder: This is a condition in which there is an urgent and frequent urge to urinate, which may lead to urinary incontinence or frequent waking up at night to urinate.
2. Symptoms of urinary incontinence: Including involuntary bladder contractions, frequent and urgent urination.
3. Urinary incontinence: Driptan may help manage symptoms of urinary incontinence, especially if they are associated with overactive bladder.

Release form

Tablets: Driptan can be supplied as tablets for oral administration. Tablets are available in various strengths and can be taken whole, without chewing, with water.

Pharmacodynamics

Driptan (oxybutynin hydrochloride) is an anticholinergic drug that acts by blocking muscarinic-type receptors in the smooth muscle of the bladder, thus preventing uncontrolled contractions of the bladder and reducing the feeling of frequent urination. Oxybutynin hydrochloride may also have antispasmodic effects on the smooth muscle of the bladder, which helps reduce spasms and urethral resistance.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Following oral administration of oxybutynin hydrochloride, absorption occurs from the gastrointestinal tract. Oxybutynin is well absorbed from the stomach and small intestine.
2. Metabolism: After absorption, oxybutynin undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver. About 47–68% of the drug dose is metabolized to the active metabolite, noroxybutynin. Noroxybutynin has an antispasmodic effect on the bladder.
3. Excretion: The metabolites of oxybutynin and noroxybutynin are excreted primarily in the urine. No more than 0.1% of the dose is excreted unchanged.
4. Half-terminal time (t½): The half-terminal time of oxybutynin is about 2-3 hours, while that of noroxybutynin is about 10 hours. This means that oxybutynin is rapidly metabolized and its metabolites have a longer duration of action.
5. Protein binding: Oxybutynin binds to plasma proteins to a small extent (about 30–50%).
6. Time to peak concentration (Tmax): Peak blood concentrations of oxybutynin are usually reached within 1–2 hours after administration.

Dosing and administration

1. Initial Dosage: It is usually recommended to start treatment with a low dose, such as 2.5 mg twice daily (5 mg daily in total), taken in the morning and evening. If necessary, the dose can be increased to the maximum recommended dose.
2. Maximum Dosage: The maximum recommended dose of Driptan is usually 5 mg 3-4 times a day, i.e. no more than 20 mg per day. However, in some cases, the doctor may prescribe higher doses.
3. Regularity of administration: The drug should be taken regularly, at the same time of day, to ensure a stable level of the drug in the blood.
4. Taking with food: Driptan can be taken with or without food. However, it is important to follow the same conditions of administration to maintain a stable concentration of the drug in the body.
5. Elderly patients: Dosage for elderly patients may be started at a lower dose due to possible deterioration in renal or hepatic function.
6. Following your doctor's instructions: It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and not change the dosage or route of administration without your doctor's approval.

Use Driptana during pregnancy

The use of Driptan during pregnancy should be carried out only with strict medical prescription and under the supervision of a doctor. There is insufficient data on the safety of this drug in pregnant women, so the decision to use it should be made taking into account the benefits of treatment for the mother and the potential risk to the fetus. The doctor should evaluate the indications for use of the drug, taking into account the symptoms and possible treatment alternatives.

Contraindications

1. Glaucoma: Since Driptan may cause pupil dilation and increased intraocular pressure, it should be avoided in glaucoma, especially the angle chamber type.
2. Obstructive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Driptan may cause or aggravate conditions associated with urinary retention and obstruction of the digestive tract, so it is contraindicated in diseases such as mechanical stenosis of the esophagus, stomach or intestine.
3. Myasthenia gravis: Because Driptan may increase muscle weakness, it should be avoided in patients with myasthenia gravis.
4. Allergy to the drug or its components: If the patient has had an allergic reaction to oxybutynin or other components of Driptan, the drug should be discontinued.
5. Bladder diseases from the standpoint of atony: Driptan should be used with caution in cases of bladder atony, as this may lead to additional relaxation of the bladder and an increase in the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
6. Severe liver and kidney impairment: Since Driptan is metabolized in the liver and excreted via the kidneys, patients with severe impairment of these organs may require dosage adjustment or complete avoidance of the drug.
7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Driptan should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since its safety in these categories of patients has not been established.

Side effects Driptana

1. Dry mouth.
2. Constipation.
3. Upset stomach or diarrhea.
4. Dizziness or drowsiness.
5. Blurred vision.
6. Weakness or fatigue.
7. Increased body temperature.
8. Increased heart rate (tachycardia) or arrhythmia.
9. Sweating.
10. Sleep disturbances or insomnia.
11. Nervousness or anxiety.

Overdose

1. Dry mouth and eyes: Due to the anticholinergic action of the drug, severe dry mouth and eyes may occur.
2. Digestive disorders: Symptoms such as constipation, gas, nausea and vomiting may occur.
3. Difficulty urinating: Worsening of symptoms associated with urinary retention, such as dysuria (painful urination) or acute urinary retention.
4. Drowsiness and central nervous system depression: Drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, and mental changes such as anxiety, irritability, or depression may occur.
5. Tachycardia and arrhythmias: Increased heart rate or arrhythmias may occur.
6. Increased intraocular pressure: Oxybutynin may cause dilation of the pupils and increase intraocular pressure, which may lead to glaucoma or worsen an existing condition.
7. Paralytic ileus: In rare cases, paralytic ileus may occur.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Anticholinergic drugs such as atropine, scopolamine, or antispasmodic drugs.
2. Medicines that cause dry mouth, such as antihistamines or medicines to reduce drooling.
3. Drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, sedatives, or antidepressants.
4. Drugs that increase blood fat levels, such as MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).