Improved efficacy of extended release oxybutynin in children with persistent daytime urinary incontinence converted from regular oxybutynin

Objectives: To examine the response to conversion from regular oxybutynin (Ditropan) to an extended-release form (Ditropan XL) in children with persistent daytime urinary incontinence. Methods: A retrospective review of patients with daytime wetting who switched from Ditropan to Ditropan XL included patient age, sex, reason for the change in medication, uroflowmetry findings before and after the change, side effects, and duration and dosage of the medication. The data were analyzed using a paired, two-tailed t test, with P <0.05 considered significant. Results: Twenty-seven patients were followed up for an average of 35.8 months. A lack of improvement (n = 11), convenience (n = 6), side effects (n = 2), and a dislike of the taste (n = 2) were identified as reasons for changing to the extended release form. The mean dosage of Ditropan and Ditropan XL did not differ significantly (0.40 and 0.38 mg/kg/day, respectively). After the change to Ditropan XL, 6 patients had a resolution of side effects and 7 developed new side effects. Of the 27 patients, 13 became dry or had significant improvement by the first visit after the change to Ditropan XL. Significant increases in voided volume (38% versus 53%; P <0.01) and total bladder capacity (55% versus 70%; P = 0.03), normalized for age-expected bladder capacity, occurred by the first clinic visit after beginning Ditropan XL. No significant changes in the postvoid residual urine volume occurred. Conclusions: The frequency of wetting decreased and the voided volume and bladder capacity increased after a change to Ditropan XL in children with persistent wetting when taking Ditropan.