oxybutynin (Oral route)
ox-i-BUE-ti-nin
Commonly used brand name(s):
In the U.S.
- Ditropan
- Ditropan XL
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Syrup
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Urinary Antispasmodic
Pharmacologic Class: Antimuscarinic
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Uses For oxybutynin
Oxybutynin belongs to the group of medicines called antispasmodics. It helps decrease muscle spasms of the bladder and the frequent urge to urinate caused by these spasms.
Oxybutynin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before Using oxybutynin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For oxybutynin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to oxybutynin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
There is no specific information about the use of oxybutynin in children under 5 years of age. In older children, oxybutynin is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Geriatric
Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of oxybutynin. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment.
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | B | Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus. |
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Using oxybutynin with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Potassium Chloride
Using oxybutynin with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Ketoconazole
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of oxybutynin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bleeding (severe)—Oxybutynin may increase heart rate, which may make this condition worse
- Colitis (severe) or
- Dryness of mouth (severe and continuing) or
- Enlarged prostate or
- Glaucoma or
- Heart disease or
- Hiatal hernia or
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or
- Intestinal blockage or other intestinal or stomach problems or
- Myasthenia gravis or
- Toxemia of pregnancy or
- Urinary tract blockage or problems with urination—Oxybutynin may make these conditions worse
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease—Higher blood levels of oxybutynin may occur, which increases the chance of side effects
- Overactive thyroid—Oxybutynin may further increase heart rate
Proper Use of oxybutynin
oxybutynin is usually taken with water on an empty stomach. However, your doctor may want you to take it with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
For extended release tablets—Swallow oxybutynin whole. Do not chew it or crush it up.
Take oxybutynin only as directed. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Dosing
The dose of oxybutynin 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 oxybutynin. 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 oral dosage forms (syrup or tablets):
- For treatment of bladder problems:
- Adults and children 12 years of age and over—5 milligrams (mg) two or three times a day.
- Children up to 5 years of age—Use and dose have not been determined.
- Children 5 to 12 years of age—5 mg two or three times a day. The dose is usually not more than 15 mg a day.
- For treatment of bladder problems:
- For oral dosage form (extended release tablets):
- For treatment of bladder problems:
- Adults and children 12 years of age and over—5 mg to 10 mg once daily
- Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose have not been determined.
- Children 6 to 12 years of age—5 mg once daily. The dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
- For treatment of bladder problems:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of oxybutynin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Precautions While Using oxybutynin
oxybutynin will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using oxybutynin .
oxybutynin may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort.
oxybutynin may cause some people to become drowsy or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to oxybutynin before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to see well.
Oxybutynin may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are taking oxybutynin, since overheating may result in heat stroke. Also, hot baths or saunas may make you feel dizzy or faint while you are taking oxybutynin.
Your mouth, nose, and throat may feel very dry while you are taking oxybutynin. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
The extended release tablet shell may be removed from your body and visible in your stool.
oxybutynin Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare- Eye pain
- skin rash or hives
- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- confusion
- convulsions
- dizziness
- drowsiness (severe)
- fainting
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- fever
- flushing or redness of face
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
- shortness of breath or troubled breathing
- unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common- Acid or sour stomach
- belching
- constipation
- decreased sweating
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dryness of eyes, mouth, nose, and throat
- heartburn; indigestion; stomach discomfort, upset or pain
- decreased sweating
- runny nose
- Blurred vision
- decreased flow of breast milk
- decreased sexual ability
- difficult urination
- difficulty in swallowing
- feeling of warmth or heat
- flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck
- headache
- increased sensitivity of eyes to light
- nausea or vomiting
- trouble in sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Incidence not determined - —Observed during clinical practice with levofloxacin; estimates of frequency cannot be determined- Bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- inability to have or keep an erection
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- rapid weight gain
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- tingling of hands or feet
- unusual weight gain or loss
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