How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Oxybutynin belongs to the family of medications called anticholinergics. It is also an antispasmodic. Oxybutynin is used to relieve symptoms associated with an overactive bladder, such as urinary urgency (a need to urinate right away), urinary frequency, leakage, or urge incontinence (leaking or wetting caused by an unstoppable urge to urinate).
This medication works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder. It helps to reduce bladder spasms, the urge to pass urine, and the frequency of urination.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Nu-Oxybutyn is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under oxybutynin. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
The usual adult dose of oxybutynin is 5 mg taken 2 or 3 times daily, with a maximum dose of 5 mg taken 4 times daily.
For children over 5 years of age, the dose is 5 mg taken 2 times daily, to a maximum dose of 5 mg taken 3 times daily.
This medication may be taken on an empty stomach with water, but if stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food or milk.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use oxybutynin if you:
- are allergic to oxybutynin or any ingredients of the medication, including the adhesive material (in the patch form)
- have intestinal atony (loss of tone of intestinal muscles) due to aging or debilitation
- have intestinal obstruction
- have megacolon (dilated large intestine) or toxic megacolon as a complication of ulcerative colitis
- have severe colitis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract)
- have myasthenia gravis
- have obstructive uropathy (blocked urine flow)
- have partial or complete obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract or are at risk for this condition
- have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma or are at risk for this condition
- have urinary retention or obstruction or are at risk for these conditions
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal bloating or gas
- abdominal pain
- back pain
- blurred vision
- constipation
- decreased sweating
- difficulty or pain passing urine
- drowsiness
- dry eyes
- dry mouth
- dry nose and throat
- fatigue
- fever
- flushing
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- rash
- skin redness or irritation (patch only)
- trouble sleeping
- trouble swallowing
- vomiting
Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- confusion
- diarrhea
- fast, uneven, or pounding heartbeat
- hallucinations
- mood changes
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Bladder obstruction: If you have significant bladder outflow obstruction, your doctor should closely monitor your condition while taking oxybutynin. Report any change in your urinary or bladder habits to your doctor.
Body temperature: Oxybutynin causes a decrease in sweating, which is one of the body's ways of cooling off. When oxybutynin is taken during very hot weather, it can cause fever and heat stroke due to the body being unable to cool down enough. Take care not to overheat when you are taking this medication. Stay in a cool environment if possible, limit the length of time you spend outdoors, and drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
Dental problems: Long-term use of oxybutynin may reduce saliva, which can lead to dental problems such as cavities, gingivitis, and discomfort. You should see your dentist regularly and let your dentist know about this and any other medications you may be taking.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Oxybutynin may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous work, until you know how this medication affects you. Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness may increase the drowsiness caused by oxybutynin.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Oxybutynin can slow down the movement of material through the digestive system. This can cause symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders to become worse, or create complications that can be life-threatening. If you have an obstructive gastrointestinal disorder, ulcerative colitis, or gastroesophageal reflux, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart conditions: The symptoms of heart disease, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, and high blood pressure can be aggravated by oxybutynin. If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Prostate enlargement: The symptoms of prostate enlargement may be made worse by oxybutynin. If you have prostate enlargement or another problem involving the prostate gland, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Thyroid problems: The symptoms of overactive thyroid may be worsened by oxybutynin. If you have an overactive thyroid, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: The safety of oxybutynin for use during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if oxybutynin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 5 years old.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 years may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between oxybutynin and any of the following:
- aclidinium
- alcohol
- amantadine
- antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
- antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
- atropine
- azelastine
- "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
- barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital phenobarbital)
- benztropine
- botulinum toxin
- cannabis
- cobicistat
- darifenacin
- disopyramide
- domperidone
- donepezil
- eluxadoline
- galantamine
- glucagon
- glycopyrrolate
- HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
- ipratropium
- macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- metoclopramide
- mirabegron
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., maprotiline, moclobemide, selegiline)
- muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
- nabilone
- narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, tramadol)
- nitroglycerin
- potassium chloride
- quinidine
- rivastigmine
- scopolamine
- seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenytoin)
- solifenacin
- thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, metolazone)
- tiotropium
- tolterodine
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
- umeclidinium
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Nu-Oxybutyn