Oxybutynin
About
Oxybutynin belongs to the group of medicines called anti-spasmodic, and anti-cholinergic agents used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urinary incontinence (urine leakage), urgent or frequent urination, increased night-time urination, dysuria (painful or difficult urination). Additionally, Oxybutynin is used to treat night-time bed-wetting in children above 5 years when other treatments have not worked.
Oxybutynin contains 'Oxybutynin', which works by blocking the release of a chemical transmitter called acetylcholine, responsible for bladder muscle contractions. Thereby relaxing the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and stopping sudden muscle spasms (contractions). This helps control urine by delaying the initial desire to empty the bladder and increases the urine holding capacity of the bladder.
You are advised to take Oxybutynin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, headache, facial flushing, constipation, dry mouth, dry skin, urinary retention, and diarrhoea. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Oxybutynin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, and blurred vision; so drive only if you are alert. Oxybutynin should not be given to children below 5 years as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Oxybutynin as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any unpleasant side-effects.
Uses of Oxybutynin
Medicinal Benefits
Oxybutynin belongs to the group of medicines called anti-spasmodic and anticholinergic agents. Oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder with urinary incontinence symptoms (urine leakage), urgent or frequent urination, increased night-time urination, and dysuria (painful or difficult urination). Oxybutynin works by blocking the release of a chemical transmitter called acetylcholine, responsible for bladder muscle contractions. Thereby relaxing the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and stopping sudden muscle spasms (contractions). This helps control urine by delaying the initial desire to empty the bladder and increasing the bladder's urine-holding capacity. Oxybutynin decreases both frequency and urgency of urination and helps with bladder control in people with overactive bladder. Oxybutynin is also used to treat night-time bed-wetting in children above 5 years when other treatments have not worked.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Oxybutynin
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Urinary retention
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have myasthenia gravis (muscle problems), narrow-angled glaucoma, blockage/perforation in the stomach or intestine, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), urinary blockage, frequent urination at night caused by kidney or heart disease. Inform your doctor if you are 65years or older; if you have an overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, glaucoma, irregular heartbeats, enlarged prostate, gastrointestinal disorders, indigestion, heartburn, heart, liver or kidney problems. Oxybutynin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, and blurred vision, so drive only if you are alert. Oxybutynin should not be given to children below 5 years as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Oxybutynin as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations while taking Oxybutynin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Oxybutynin may interact with antihistamine (diphenhydramine), cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil), pain killer (acetaminophen, oxycodone, hydrocodone), anti-hypertensive (metoprolol), anti-muscarinic agent (mirabegron), anti-psychotic (prochlorperazine, chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol), anti-depressants (amitriptyline, imipramine, dosulepin), antiparkinson agents (levodopa, amantadine), cardiac glycoside (digoxin), anti-platelet (dipyridamole), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole), antibiotics (erythromycin), anti-emetic (metoclopramide, domperidone), and anti-arrhythmic agent (quinidine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Oxybutynin as it could lead to increased drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have urinary obstruction, gastrointestinal obstruction, autonomic neuropathy, infectious diarrhoea, angle-closure glaucoma, or myasthenia gravis (muscle problems).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Oxybutynin. Alcohol intake, along with Oxybutynin, may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionOxybutynin belongs to pregnancy category B. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe you Oxybutynin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionOxybutynin may pass into breastmilk. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Oxybutynin or not.
Driving
unsafeOxybutynin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Oxybutynin if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Oxybutynin if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
safe if prescribedOxybutynin can be given to children above 5years if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Pelvic floor exercises would help treat bladder spasms.
- Avoid foods like sugars, carbonated beverages, tea, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate and tea.
- Limit fluid intake as excess fluid intake could cause an urge to urinate frequently.
- Avoid drinking excess alcohol or caffeinated drinks as they can worsen the symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
- Take 6-8glasses or liquids every day.
- Avoid processed foods. Instead, choose whole, unprocessed foods.
- Include fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich food in your diet.
Special Advise
- A regular dental check-up is recommended if you are on long-term treatment with Oxybutynin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Overactive bladder (OAB): The contraction or tightening of bladder muscles causes bladder spasms. This is termed an overactive bladder. Continuous contractions may cause an urge to urinate. Overactive bladder is characterised by involuntary leakage of urine, excessive urination, and urgent need to urinate. The common causes of bladder spasms are urinary tract infections, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, diabetes, constipation, impaired kidney function, bladder stones, enlarged prostate, or neurological disorders. Overactive bladder symptoms include urinating more than 8 times in a day and more than 2 times at night, strong and sudden need to urinate, leakage of urine, and loss of bladder control.
FAQs
Oxybutynin works by blocking the release of a chemical transmitter called acetylcholine which is responsible for bladder muscle contractions. Thereby relaxing the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and stopping sudden muscle spasms (contractions).
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Oxybutynin. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
There is some overlap between the symptoms of both OAB and BPH. OAB occurs due to uncontrolled urinary bladder muscle contractions. The main symptom of OAB is a sudden urge to urinate that is hard to control. On the other hand, BPH occurs due to an enlarged prostate gland, which puts pressure on the urinary bladder, thereby causing pain during urination.
Oxybutynin should be used with caution during hot weather as it may increase the chance of having a heat stroke. Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Inform your doctor if you have heat intolerance or fever.
Consult your doctor before taking Oxybutynin if you have glaucoma. Oxybutynin is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience loss of vision, blurred vision, or pain in the eye.
Oxybutynin may reduce the amount of saliva, thereby causing fungal infection of the mouth and tooth decay. To avoid this, maintain proper oral hygiene while taking Oxybutynin. A regular dental check-up is recommended if you are on long-term treatment with Oxybutynin.
