Oxybutynin

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Ditropan XL [DSC]; Gelnique; Oxytrol; Oxytrol For Women [OTC]

Brand Names: Canada

APO-Oxybutynin; Ditropan XL [DSC]; Oxytrol [DSC]; PMS-Oxybutynin; RIVA-Oxybutynin; TEVA-Oxybutynin

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat an overactive bladder.
• It is used in some children to treat a bladder problem called neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, glaucoma, slow moving GI (gastrointestinal) tract, or trouble passing urine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

All products:

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you.
• Talk with your doctor before you use alcohol, marijuana or other forms of cannabis, or prescription or OTC drugs that may slow your actions.
• Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
• Good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help with dry mouth. See a dentist often.
• Myasthenia gravis may get worse while taking this drug. Talk with your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis. Call the doctor if signs get worse.
• A very bad reaction called angioedema has happened with this drug. Sometimes, this may be life-threatening. Signs may include swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or unusual hoarseness. Get medical help right away if you have any of these signs.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• Some forms of this drug may not be for use in all ages of children. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Skin patch:

• This drug may cause harm if chewed or swallowed. This includes used patches. If this drug has been put in the mouth, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling confused.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Feeling agitated.
• Mood changes.
• Fever.
• Not sweating during activities or in warm temperatures.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Muscle weakness.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

All products:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.

Skin gel and skin patch:

• Irritation where this drug was used.
• Redness.
• Itching.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All oral products:

• Take with or without food.
• Take this drug at the same time of day.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.

Oral solution:

• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.

Extended-release tablets:

• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• You may see the tablet shell in your stool. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Skin gel:

• Put on gel at the same time of day.
• Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Wash and dry the part of the skin that the gel will be used on.
• Put on clean, dry, healthy skin on the belly, thigh, shoulder, or upper arm.
• Do not use on broken or irritated skin or if you have shaved your skin lately.
• Move the site where you put the gel each day.
• Do not bathe, shower, swim, or exercise for 1 hour after putting on.
• Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the gel has dried.
• Do not let your skin where the gel was used touch anyone else’s skin while wearing the gel. Cover the treated skin with clothes.
• Let gel dry before covering with clothing.

Skin patch:

• Put patch on at the same time of day.
• Do not use patches that are cut or do not look right.
• Take off old patch first.
• Put patch on clean, dry, healthy skin on the buttock, belly, or hip.
• Move the patch site with each new patch. Do not put on the same site for 7 days.
• Do not put the patch on the waistline.
• Do not put on irritated or damaged skin.
• Do not put on skin where you have just used creams, oils, lotions, powder, or other skin products. The patch may not stick as well.
• Cover the patch with clothes. Avoid sunlight where the patch is on your skin.
• Do not rub the patch area during bathing, swimming, showering, or exercise.
• If the patch loosens or falls off, press it back on. If it does not stay, apply a new patch to a different area. Keep to your normal timetable.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

All oral products:

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Skin gel:

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Skin patch:

• Put on a missed patch as soon as you think about it after taking off the old one.
• Keep to your normal timetable.
• Do not put on more than 1 patch at a time.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Skin gel:

• Protect from heat or open flame.

Skin patch:

• Store in pouch until ready for use.
• Use right after opening.
• After you take off a skin patch, be sure to fold the sticky sides of the patch to each other. Throw away used patches where children and pets cannot get to them.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-12-21

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