Oxybutynin

About Oxybutynin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antimuscarinics.

Oxybutynin is used to treat urinary frequency (a need to pass water often), urinary urgency (a need to pass water urgently) and urinary incontinence (a lack of control over passing water). These symptoms are sometimes associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spina bifida.

It can also be used to treat nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting) in children over 5 years old.

Oxybutynin is available in tablet and oral liquid form. It is also available as a modified release tablet which means Oxybutynin is released slowly throughout the day to give an even effect.

It is also sometimes known as: Cystrin; Ditropan; Lyrinel XL. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Oxybutynin

Before taking Oxybutynin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from prostate problems
• if you suffer from glaucoma or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland),
• if you suffer from hiatus hernia, reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn), ulcerative colitis, paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon or have a problem with gut motility (movement of waste through the gut).
• if you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water)
• if you are currently suffering from a urinary tract infection (water infection)
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Oxybutynin

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If you have been given the modified release tablet swallow it whole. Do not crush or chew it.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Oxybutynin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Oxybutynin.
• Before having any kind of treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Oxybutynin.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor, so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop taking Oxybutynin without speaking to your doctor first.
• Oxybutynin may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses or avoiding too much sunlight should help.
• Your skin may also become more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid bright sunlight and sunbeds or wear a sunscreen of at least factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• Oxybutynin can cause a dry mouth. For relief try sucking sugar-free sweets, pieces of ice or chewing sugar-free gum. If your dry mouth becomes too troublesome, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Oxybutynin can reduce your ability to sweat. Make sure that you do not become overheated in hot weather.
• Oxybutynin may cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Make sure that you are not affected before driving, using machinery or carrying out any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

Can Oxybutynin cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Constipation, drowsiness, a fast or fluttering heart beat, difficulty urinating (passing water) or a need to urinate more often, a dislike of bright lights, loss of appetite, tummy pain, diarrhoea, headache, feeling agitated, a dry or sore mouth, indigestion, hot flushes, dryness of the skin, confusion, feeling or being sick, dizziness, blurred vision, dry eyes.

Important: If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, breathing difficulties with or without swelling, or an itchy rash (similar to nettle rash or hives) stop taking Oxybutynin and see a doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Oxybutynin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 28/01/2005