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

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you or your child should continue to use it.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called angioedema. Angioedema may be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, a large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, trouble breathing, or chest tightness while you are using this medicine.

Oxybutynin may cause anxiety, confusion, irritability, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, or hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there). These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine, or when the dose is increased. If you or your child have these symptoms, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine 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, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you or your child are using this medicine.

This medicine 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.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, not alert, or not 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 or your child are taking this medicine, since overheating may result in heat stroke. Also, hot baths or saunas may make you feel dizzy or faint while you or your child are taking this medicine.

Your mouth, nose, and throat may feel very dry while you or your child are taking this medicine. 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.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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:

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:

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.

See also:

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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