This is a long-acting form of oxybutynin that is used to
treat overactive bladder and urinary conditions. It relaxes the muscles in
the bladder to help decrease problems of urgency and frequent urination.
Oxybutynin belongs to a class of drugs known as
antispasmodics.
This medication is also used to treat children 6 years
of age and older who have an overactive bladder due to certain nerve
disorders (such as spina bifida).
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once a day. The dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to treatment. The length of treatment is
determined by your doctor who may suggest periodic trials off the drug to
evaluate whether you still need to be taking it.
Swallow this medication with the help of liquids.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can
release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side
effects.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea,
vomiting, upset stomach, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, blurred
vision, dry eyes, unusual taste in mouth, dry/flushed skin, stuffy nose,
and cough may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or
ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute. To
relieve dry eyes, use artificial tears or other eye lubricants. Consult
your pharmacist for further advice.
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough
water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your
pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
For certain products of this drug, an empty tablet shell
may appear in your stool. This is harmless.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- decreased sexual activity
- difficulty urinating
- fast/pounding heartbeat
- signs of kidney infection (such as burning/painful/frequent
urination, lower back pain, fever)
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations)
- swelling of arms/legs/ankles/feet
- vision problems (including eye pain)
- seizures
- stomach/intestinal blockage (such as nausea/vomiting that
doesn't stop, prolonged constipation)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking oxybutynin, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- glaucoma
- bladder disease (such as bladder outflow blockage, urinary
retention)
- certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
- heart disease (such as heart failure, coronary artery
disease, arrhythmias)
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- loss of mental abilities (dementia)
- certain nervous system disorder (autonomic neuropathy)
- enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic
hypertrophy-BPH)
- stomach/intestinal disease (such as blockage, paralytic
ileus, acid reflux disease, hiatal hernia, ulcerative colitis)
- severe throat/stomach/intestinal narrowing (strictures)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Parkinson's disease
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This drug may increase the risk for heatstroke because
it causes decreased sweating. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather,
saunas, and during exercise or other strenuous activity.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, trouble
urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of
falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- pramlintide
- drugs that can irritate the esophagus/stomach (such as
potassium tablets/capsules, oral bisphosphonates including alendronate,
etidronate)
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that can
cause drowsiness, constipation or blurred vision. Ask your pharmacist about
using those products safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
delirium and paralysis.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.