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Ditropan XL vs. Sanctura

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Oxybutynin ER (Ditropan XL) and trospium are both used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), but they have some differences. Oxybutynin ER is available in more forms, including tablets, oral liquid, patches, and gel, while trospium is only available as a pill. Both medications can cause dry mouth and constipation, but trospium tends to cause less dry mouth. Oxybutynin ER can be used in children as young as 5 years old, whereas trospium hasn't been studied in children. You need to take trospium on an empty stomach, but you can take oxybutynin ER with or without food. Both medications can cause dizziness and drowsiness.

Oxybutynin

 

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Trospium

 

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Summary for Ditropan XL

Prescription only

Oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB). Oral oxybutynin is available as a short-acting tablet and solution that is taken 2 to 4 times a day. It also comes as a long-acting tablet that's taken once daily (brand name Ditropan XL). Some common side effects of oxybutynin include dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. Older adults typically lower doses of this medication to lower the risk for side effects.

Indications for Ditropan XL

  • Overactive bladder
  • Incontinence in children due to a neurologic (brain) condition, such as spina bifida

Pros and Cons for Ditropan XL

Pros

  • Works well to improve symptoms of OAB
  • Available as a convenient, once-daily tablet (Ditropan XL)
  • Can be used in children as young as 5 years old
  • Available as an oral liquid, good for people who have trouble swallowing tablets

Cons

  • Commonly causes dry mouth as a side effect
  • Higher risk of side effects in people age 65 and older
  • Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
  • Shouldn't be used by people who have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, difficulty urinating, or movement problems with the stomach or intestines

Common Side Effects for Ditropan XL

  • Dry mouth (up to 71%)
  • Dizziness (up to 17%)
  • Constipation (up to 15%)
  • Sleepiness (up to 14%)
  • Nausea (up to 12%)
  • Blurry vision (up to 10%)

Warnings for Ditropan XL

  • Swelling of face, lips, tongue (angioedema)
  • Hallucinations, drowsiness, and confusion
  • Worsening of other conditions
  • Heat exhaustion

Summary for Sanctura

Prescription only

Trospium chloride is an antimuscarinic medication that's used to treat overactive bladder in adults. It's available as an immediate-release tablet that's taken by mouth twice daily and an extended-release capsule that's taken once daily. The most common side effects are dry mouth and constipation. The brand name Sanctura has been discontinued, but generic trospium is still available.

Indications for Sanctura

Pros and Cons for Sanctura

Pros

  • Works well to lessen how often you feel the urge to go to the bathroom
  • Choice of immediate-release tablets taken twice daily or extended-release capsules taken once daily
  • Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

Cons

  • Must take on an empty stomach
  • Only available as a pill (no other formulations for people who have trouble swallowing)
  • Hasn't been studied in children

Common Side Effects for Sanctura

Immediate-release tablets:

  • Dry mouth (20%)
  • Constipation (10%)
  • Headache (4%)

Extended-release capsules:

  • Dry mouth (11%)
  • Constipation (9%)

Warnings for Sanctura

  • Facial swelling and breathing problems
  • Nervous system side effects
  • Trouble urinating
  • Caution in people with stomach problems
  • Caution in people with glaucoma

Prices with our coupons for Ditropan XL vs. Sanctura

Price Card Drug Icon
Oxybutynin ER30 tablets / 10mg
$8.50$69.11
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Trospium60 tablets / 20mg
$27.82$134.46
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