Oxybutynin

Uses of Oxybutynin

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 is also used in children at least 5 years old with overactive bladder related to a neurologic condition such as spina bifida.

Precautions and Warnings

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.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For treatment of bladder problems:

• Adults—At first, 5 or 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 30 mg per day.
• Children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
• Children younger than 6 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• decreased sweating
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• drowsiness
• dryness of the eyes, mouth, nose, or throat
• heartburn
• indigestion
• runny nose
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain