Oxybutynin reduces muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.
Oxybutynin is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination, incontinence (urine leakage), and increased night-time urination.
Oxybutynin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use oxybutynin if you have untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), or if you are unable to urinate.
Before using oxybutynin, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, an enlarged prostate, myasthenia gravis, ulcerative colitis, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or a stomach disorder such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or slow digestion.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Oxybutynin can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
There are many other medicines that can interact with oxybutynin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as hot and dry skin, extreme thirst, severe stomach pain or constipation, pain or burning when you urinate, or if you stop urinating.
Before using oxybutynin
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to oxybutynin, or if you have:
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untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;
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a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); or
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if you are unable to urinate.
To make sure oxybutynin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether oxybutynin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take oxybutynin?
Take oxybutynin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take this medication with a full glass of water. Try to take this medication at the same time each day.
Oxybutynin may be taken with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Oxybutynin can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Oxybutynin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to oxybutynin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using oxybutynin and call your doctor at once if you have:
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feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
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severe stomach pain or constipation;
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blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
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pain or burning when you urinate; or
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little or no urinating.
Common oxybutynin side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Oxybutynin dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Incontinence:
Initial:
Immediate release tablet or Syrups: 5 mg 2 to 3 times daily.
Extended release tablets: 5 mg once daily.
Transdermal System: 3.9 mg/day, applied twice weekly (every 3 to 4 days).
Oxybutynin 3% transdermal gel:
3 pumps (84 mg/day) applied once daily to clean, dry, intact skin on the abdomen, or upper
arms/shoulders, or thighs. Apply immediately after actuating the dose.
Oxybutynin 10% transdermal gel:
1 gram unit dose (1.14 mL) 100 mg/g oxybutynin chloride gel once daily to dry, intact skin on the abdomen, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs.
Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Frequency:
Initial:
Immediate release tablet or Syrups: 5 mg 2 to 3 times daily.
Extended release tablets: 5 mg once daily.
Transdermal System: 3.9 mg/day, applied twice weekly (every 3 to 4 days).
Oxybutynin 3% transdermal gel:
3 pumps (84 mg/day) applied once daily to clean, dry, intact skin on the abdomen, or upper
arms/shoulders, or thighs. Apply immediately after actuating the dose.
Oxybutynin 10% transdermal gel:
1 gram unit dose (1.14 mL) 100 mg/g oxybutynin chloride gel once daily to dry, intact skin on the abdomen, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urinary Incontinence:
Immediate Release:
Greater than 1 to 5 years: 0.2 mg/kg per dose, 2 to 4 times daily.
Greater than 5 years: 5 mg 2 times daily, up to 5 mg 3 times daily.
Extended Release:
Greater than or equal to 6 years: 5 mg once daily
Study (n=56) - Extended Release:
Greater than 5 years: 5 mg once daily, titrated upwards according to response.
What other drugs will affect oxybutynin?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking oxybutynin with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with oxybutynin, especially:
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other bladder or urinary medicines such as darifenacin, fesoterodine, tolterodine, solifenacin;
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bronchodilators such as ipratropium or tiotropium;
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cold or allergy medicine that contains an antihistamine;
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medication for Parkinson"s disease; or
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medication to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with oxybutynin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
