oxybutynin chloride

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 (e.g., spina bifida).

Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. 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. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

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 persist or worsen, notify 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 your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 persistent nausea/vomiting, 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 (e.g., bladder outflow blockage, urinary retention), certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), heart disease (e.g., congestive 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 (e.g., 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 not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.

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), drugs that can cause dry mouth and constipation (including anticholinergic medications such as atropine/scopolamine, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, other antispasmodics including dicyclomine, belladonna alkaloids)..

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: delirium and paralysis.

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.

Do not share this medication with others.