Oxybutynin Extended-Release Tablets

What is this medication?

OXYBUTYNIN (ox i BYOO ti nin) treats symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as loss of bladder control or frequent need to urinate. It works by relaxing muscles in the bladder. It belongs to a group of medications called antispasmodics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ditropan XL

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Autonomic neuropathy
  • Dementia
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Glaucoma
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to oxybutynin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Swallow whole, do not crush, cut, or chew. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medication with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
  • Atropine
  • Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
  • Certain medications for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
  • Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
  • Certain medications for travel sickness like scopolamine
  • Clarithromycin
  • Erythromycin
  • Ipratropium
  • Medications for fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

It may take a few weeks to notice the full benefit from this medication.

You may need to limit your intake tea, coffee, caffeinated sodas, and alcohol. These drinks may make your symptoms worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eyecare professional if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may notice the shells of the tablets in your stool from time to time. This is normal.

Avoid extreme heat. This medication can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Trouble passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and humidity. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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