Oxybutynin is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as incontinence (loss of bladder control) or a frequent need to urinate.

Oxybutynin belongs to the group of medicines called antispasmodics. It helps decrease muscle spasms of the bladder and the frequent urge to urinate caused by these spasms.

Oxybutynin extended-release tablets is also used to treat children 6 years of age and older who have an overactive bladder caused by a certain nerve disorder (eg, spina bifida).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine is usually taken with water on an empty stomach. However, your doctor may want you to take it with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

For patients taking the extended-release tablets:

• Swallow the tablet whole with water or any liquids. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Take it at the same time each day.
• While taking this medicine, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Eye pain

skin rash or hives

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Clumsiness or unsteadiness

confusion

convulsions

dizziness

drowsiness (severe)

fainting

fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

fever

flushing or redness of the face

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

troubled breathing

unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

decreased sweating

diarrhea

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

drowsiness

dryness of the eyes, mouth, nose, or throat

heartburn

indigestion

runny nose

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Less common or rare

Blurred vision

decreased flow of breast milk

decreased sexual ability

difficulty in swallowing

feeling of warmth or heat

headache

increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

nausea or vomiting

trouble with sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Observed during clinical practice with oxybutynin; estimates of frequency cannot be determined

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

inability to have or keep an erection

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

rapid weight gain

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you or your child should continue to use it.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called angioedema. Angioedema may be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, a large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, trouble breathing, or chest tightness while you are using this medicine.

Oxybutynin may cause anxiety, confusion, irritability, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, or hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there). These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine, or when the dose is increased. If you or your child have these symptoms, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you or your child are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, not alert, or not able to see well.

Oxybutynin may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you or your child are taking this medicine, since overheating may result in heat stroke. Also, hot baths or saunas may make you feel dizzy or faint while you or your child are taking this medicine.

Your mouth, nose, and throat may feel very dry while you or your child are taking this medicine. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.