Oxybutynin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 26, 2024.

Applies to oxybutynin: oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Other dosage forms:

• transdermal gel/jelly, transdermal patch extended release

Common side effects of oxybutynin

Some side effects of oxybutynin 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 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

Less common or rare side effects

• blurred vision
• decreased flow of breast milk
• decreased sexual ability
• difficulty in swallowing
• feeling of warmth or heat
• headache
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• nausea or vomiting
• trouble with sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

- Observed during clinical practice with oxybutynin; estimates of frequency cannot be determined

• bloating or swelling of the 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
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

Serious side effects of oxybutynin

Along with its needed effects, oxybutynin 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking oxybutynin:

Rare side effects

• eye pain
• skin rash or hives

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking oxybutynin:

Symptoms of overdose

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• confusion
• convulsions
• dizziness
• drowsiness (severe)
• fainting
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• fever
• flushing or redness of the face
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• troubled breathing
• unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

For healthcare professionals

Applies to oxybutynin: oral solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, transdermal film extended release, transdermal gel.

General adverse events

The most common (incidence 5% or greater) adverse reactions were dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, headache, somnolence, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac arrhythmia tachycardia, vasodilation, hypertension, flushing
• Frequency not reported: Heat stroke^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Dry skin, pruritus
• Common (1% to 10%): Flushing, rash
• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, hypohidrosis^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Decreased lactation^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 72%), constipation (up to 15%), nausea
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal discomfort
• Frequency not reported: Pseudo-obstruction in patients at risk (elderly or patients with constipation and treated with other drugs that decrease intestinal motility), decreased GI motility^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, urinary hesitation, urinary retention, dysuria, increased post void retention
• Frequency not reported: Impotence, suppression of lactation, cystitis, aggravation of prostatic hypertrophy^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fungal infection^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Application site pruritus (16.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Application site erythema, application site vesicles, application site rash, application site macules^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, fluid retention^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Back pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 17%), somnolence (up to 14%), headache, drowsiness, confusion
• Common (1% to 10%): Dysgeusia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysphagia, convulsions
• Frequency not reported: Cognitive disorders in elderly, convulsions, agitation, nightmares, anxiety, paranoia, symptoms of depression, hallucinations, asthenia, insomnia, restlessness, dependence to this drug (in patients with history of drug or substance abuse)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, dry eye, abnormal vision
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angle closure glaucoma
• Frequency not reported: Onset of narrow-angle glaucoma, mydriasis, intraocular hypertension, amblyopia, cycloplegia, decreased lacrimation^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysphonia, thirst
• Frequency not reported: Falls, accidental injury^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, nervousness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hallucinations, confusional state, agitation, memory impairment
• Frequency not reported: Psychotic disorder, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, abnormal behavior^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, oropharyngeal pain, dry throat, nasal dryness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, chest discomfort, hoarseness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nasal congestion, throat irritation^[Ref]

Other

Concomitant use of oxybutynin with carbamazepine and dantrolene has been associated with adverse events suggestive of carbamazepine toxicity, such as vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, unsteadiness, slurred speech, and nystagmus.

Further information

Oxybutynin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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