What is oxybutynin?
Oxybutynin reduces muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.
Oxybutynin is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination, incontinence (urine leakage), and increased night-time urination.
Oxybutynin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about oxybutynin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to oxybutynin, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), or if you are unable to urinate.
Before using oxybutynin, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, an enlarged prostate, myasthenia gravis, ulcerative colitis, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or a stomach disorder such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or slow digestion.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Oxybutynin can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Oxybutynin can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
There are many other medicines that can interact with oxybutynin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as hot and dry skin, extreme thirst, severe stomach pain or constipation, pain or burning when you urinate, or if you stop urinating.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oxybutynin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to oxybutynin, or if you have:
untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;
a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); or
if you are unable to urinate.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking oxybutynin, tell your doctor if you have:
glaucoma;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
an enlarged prostate;
ulcerative colitis;
a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis; or
a stomach disorder such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or slow digestion.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether oxybutynin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.