Driptan

Driptan (oxybutynin hydrochloride) is a drug 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 sense of urgency to urinate.

Oxybutynin hydrochloride, the main active ingredient in Driptan, is a muscarinic receptor antagonist. It blocks the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bladder, resulting in decreased bladder contractions and increased bladder capacity. This can help control urinary frequency and reduce spontaneous bladder contractions that often occur with an overactive bladder.

Driptan is available in tablet form for oral administration. Please remember that Driptan should only be used as prescribed by 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 can lead to urinary incontinence or frequent awakenings at night to urinate.
2. Symptoms of involuntary urination: Including non-spontaneous bladder contractions, frequent and urgent urination.
3. Urinary Incontinence: Driptan may help manage symptoms of urinary incontinence, especially if they are associated with an overactive bladder.

Release form

Tablets: Driptan may be supplied in tablet form for oral administration. The tablets come in various dosages and can be taken whole, without chewing, with water.

Pharmacodynamics

Driptan (oxybutynin hydrochloride) is an anticholinergic drug that works by blocking muscarinic-type receptors in the smooth muscle of the bladder, thereby preventing uncontrolled bladder contractions and reducing the feeling of frequent urination. Oxybutynin hydrochloride may also have antispasmodic effects on bladder smooth muscle, 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 in 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: 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, and that of noroxybutynin is about 10 hours. This means that oxybutynin is rapidly metabolized, and its metabolites have a longer lasting effect.
5. Protein binding: Oxybutynin binds to plasma proteins in a small amount (about 30-50%).
6. Time to maximum concentration (Tmax): The maximum concentration of oxybutynin in the blood is usually achieved within 1-2 hours after administration.

Dosing and administration

1. Initial dosage: It is usually recommended to start treatment with a low dose, for example, 2.5 mg 2 times a day (for a total of 5 mg per day), taken in the morning and evening. If necessary, the dose can be increased to the maximum recommended.
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 use: 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 maintain the same dosing conditions to maintain stable drug concentrations in the body.
5. Elderly patients: Dosage for elderly patients may be started at a lower dose due to possible deterioration of renal or hepatic function.
6. Follow your doctor's instructions: It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and not change the dosage or use without your doctor's permission.

Use Driptana during pregnancy

The use of Driptan during pregnancy should only be carried out under strict medical prescription and under the supervision of a physician. 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 must evaluate the indications for use of the drug, taking into account the symptoms and possible treatment alternatives.

Contraindications

1. Glaucoma: Since Driptan can cause pupil dilation and an increase in intraocular pressure, it should be avoided in patients with glaucoma, especially in the angle-chamber form.
2. Obstructive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Driptan can cause or aggravate conditions associated with urinary retention and obstruction of the digestive tract, therefore it is contraindicated in diseases such as mechanical stenoses of the esophagus, stomach or intestines.
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. Diseases of the bladder from the position of atony: Driptan should be used with caution in case of atony of the bladder, as this can lead to additional relaxation and increased symptoms of urinary incontinence.
6. Severe liver and kidney impairment: Since Driptan is metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys, dosage adjustments or complete avoidance of the drug may be necessary in patients with severe impairment of these organs.
7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Driptan should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since its safety for these categories of patients has not been established.

Side effects Driptana

1. Dry mouth.
2. Constipation.
3. Stomach upset or diarrhea.
4. Dizziness or drowsiness.
5. Blurred vision.
6. Weakness or fatigue.
7. Increased body temperature.
8. Increased heart rate (tachycardia) or arrhythmias.
9. Sweating.
10. Sleep disorders or insomnia.
11. Nervousness or restlessness.

Overdose

1. Dry mouth and eyes: Due to the anticholinergic effect of the drug, severe dry mouth and eyes may occur.
2. Digestive disorders: Symptoms may include constipation, gas, nausea and vomiting.
3. Difficulty urinating: Increased 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 pupil dilation and increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to glaucoma or worsening of 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 drugs to reduce drooling.
3. Drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, sedatives, or antidepressants.
4. Drugs that increase blood levels of obesity, such as MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).