Oxybutynin

What is this medication for?

Oxybutynin is used to treat a condition called overactive bladder. Overactive bladder happens when you cannot control your bladder muscle. When the muscle contracts too often or cannot be controlled, you get symptoms of overactive bladder such as:

• not being able to control when to empty your bladder, where you get a strong need to urinate with leaking or wetting incidence (urinary incontinence)
• a strong need to urinate right away (urgency)
• urinating often (frequency)

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are not able to empty your bladder (urinary retention)
• You have delayed or slow emptying of your stomach (gastric retention)
• You have an eye problem called “uncontrolled narrow angle glaucoma”
• You have liver, kidney or heart problems
• You have myasthenia gravis (autoimmune condition causing weakness in the muscles), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid, making too much thyroid hormones), Parkinson's disease or hiatus hernia (part of the stomach move/bulge into the chest)
• You have dementia and is taking medications called cholinesterase inhibitors such as Galantamine, Donepezil, Rivastigmine as these combinations may affect the condition.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Drowsiness
  • May affect your ability to drive and use machinery. Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive or do things which require you to be alert.
• Dizziness
  • Get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
• Dry Mouth
  • Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free hard candies or ice chips, sip water regularly
• Dry Eyes
  • Apply lubricant eye drops if necessary.
• Constipation
  • Drink more water (if you do not have any fluid restrictions), eat more high- fibre foods, and exercise regularly
• Overheating of the body
  • Monitor your body temperature, especially if you are in hot climates. Drink enough water and avoid staying outdoors during hot weather.
• Blurred vision
• Headache 
   

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

If the following serious side effects happen, you should consult your healthcare professionals immediately:

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Cognitive impairment
• Hallucination
• Urinary retention
• Tachycardia (fast heartbeat) 

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of dizziness, light-headedness or drowsiness. 

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.