Oxybutynin

Oxybutynin is a medicine that is used for the treatment of bladder conditions associated with nerve problems. Specifically, it can be used to treat frequent urination, painful urination, urinary urgency, and leaking accidents. Oxybutynin, which is available by prescription, comes in tablet and syrup form. Side effects that may occur with the medication include dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, and drowsiness.

 

What Is Oxybutynin?

Oxybutynin chloride (Ditropan®) is a prescription medication used to treat bladder problems caused by nerve problems (known medically as neurogenic bladder). In particular, oxybutynin is approved to treat the following neurogenic bladder symptoms:
 
  • Painful urination (known as dysuria)
  • Frequent urination (known as urinary frequency)
  • Sudden, frequent urges to urinate (known as urinary urgency)
  • Leaking accidents (known as urinary incontinence or urge incontinence).
     
Oxybutynin is also approved to treat bladder problems due to overactive bladder muscles caused by spina bifida or other neurological problems in children age six and older.
 
(Click What Is Oxybutynin Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects of Oxybutynin

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with oxybutynin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of oxybutynin include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Oxybutynin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Oxybutynin: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking oxybutynin if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Oxybutynin to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

How Does Oxybutynin Work?

Oxybutynin belongs to a group of drugs known as antimuscarinic or anticholinergic medications. It works to treat bladder problems by blocking specific receptors in the bladder, called muscarinic receptors, which helps the muscles of the bladder to relax. Since an overactive bladder is often due to muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable, oxybutynin can help relieve many associated symptoms.
 

When and How to Take Oxybutynin

General considerations for when and how to take oxybutynin include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet and syrup form. It is usually taken by mouth two to four times daily.
     
  • Oxybutynin syrup may be especially useful for children or adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
     
  • You can take oxybutynin with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Oxybutynin should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Oxybutynin will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosage Information for Oxybutynin

The dose of oxybutynin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to oxybutynin
  • Your age
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Oxybutynin Dosing for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions With Oxybutynin

Oxybutynin may interact with a number of other medications (see Oxybutynin Drug Interactions).
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Oxybutynin?

An overdose of oxybutynin would be likely to cause the usual side effects of oxybutynin, but perhaps more severely. In some cases, the symptoms may be quite dangerous.
 
If you happen to overdose on oxybutynin, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Ditropan Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Oxybutynin Be Stored?

Oxybutynin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep oxybutynin and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Oxybutynin?

If you do not take your oxybutynin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Who Makes Oxybutynin?

Oxybutynin is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. Generic oxybutynin is made by a few different manufacturers.
 

Strengths of Oxybutynin

Oxybutynin comes in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Oxybutynin 5 mg tablets
  • Oxybutynin syrup, which contains 5 mg of oxybutynin per 5 mL (per teaspoonful).
     

Is There a Generic Version of Oxybutynin?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of oxybutynin are licensed for sale (see Generic Ditropan).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;