Oxybutynin

Oxybutynin relaxes the bladder muscle, reducing the frequency and urgency of urination. It is a tablet taken daily. You will usually notice an improvement in your symptoms within a few days to a week. The medication is primarily intended for long-term use in cases of persistent bladder issues, such as urge incontinence or frequent urination. It does not provide immediate relief for acute symptoms but can, over time, help you gain more control over your bladder and reduce the inconvenience of urine leakage or sudden urgency. Additionally, various studies have shown favourable effects in reducing the number of hot flushes.

• Use the medication as prescribed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day.
• Swallow the tablet whole with some water, without chewing.

The package leaflet contains all the information about this product. Read the leaflet before using the product.

For which symptoms is Oxybutynin used?

• Frequent urination
• Urge incontinence (sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate)
• Overactive bladder

Oxybutynin can also help with:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Restless sleep

Do not use Oxybutynin if you:

• Are allergic to oxybutynin or other ingredients
• Suffer from a severe bowel disease, a blockage in the bladder or intestines, or a specific muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised otherwise by your doctor
• Have increased eye pressure (glaucoma), unless deemed safe by your doctor
• Are taking other medications that affect the nervous system
• Experience drowsiness or blurred vision, in which case you should avoid driving or operating machinery

Inform the prescribing doctor if you are taking other medications.

Common (in 1 to 10 out of 100 people):

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Sleepiness
• Blurred vision

Uncommon (in 1 to 10 out of 1,000 people):

• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Dry skin
• Difficulty urinating

Rare (in fewer than 1 out of 1,000 people):

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Hypersensitivity reactions (such as skin rash)

In rare cases, these side effects can lead to severe symptoms, such as severe confusion or allergic reactions. Always contact a doctor immediately in such cases.

For a complete list of side effects, read the package leaflet.

• Extended-release oxybutynin therapy for vasomotor symptoms in women: a randomised clinical trial - PubMed
• Oxybutynin vs Placebo for Hot Flushes in Women With or Without Breast Cancer: A Randomised, Double-Blind Clinical Trial (ACCRU SC-1603) - PubMed
• The 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society - PubMed
• Randomised trial of estradiol vaginal ring versus oral oxybutynin for the treatment of overactive bladder - PubMed
• Vaginal oestrogen use in postmenopausal women with pelvic floor disorders: systematic review and practice guidelines - PubMed
• Considering the prominent symptom as a guide in medical therapy for overactive bladder syndrome in women over 45 years - PubMed
• Severe night sweating treated by oxybutynin - PubMed
• Patient perspectives in the management of overactive bladder, focus on transdermal oxybutynin - PubMed