Health Library

Oxybutynin (By mouth)

Oxybutynin (ox-i-BUE-ti-nin)

Treats overactive bladder.

Brand Name(s):

Ditropan XL

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Take this medicine at the same time each day.
• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how oxybutynin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Metoclopramide
  • Bisphosphonate medicine
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole)
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, dementia, glaucoma, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson disease, an enlarged prostate or trouble urinating, or stomach or bowel problems (including colitis, chronic constipation, a bowel blockage, GERD).
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or cause vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may make you sweat less. This can cause your body to become too hot. Take precautions if you exercise strenuously or are outside in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Agitation, confusion, unusual behavior or drowsiness, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination
• Hot, dry skin, lack of sweating, weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, stomach pain or upset
• Dry mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024