Oxybutynin is a hormone-free medication in tablet form that helps relax the muscles of the bladder. It is often prescribed to women going through menopause who experience frequent urination and sudden urgency. These symptoms may become more common during menopause as the bladder becomes more sensitive or bladder control decreases. The medication relaxes the bladder muscles, allowing you to hold your urine longer and reducing the urge to urinate. It is also quite effective in alleviating hot flushes. Oxybutynin is available only by prescription and is typically prescribed when lifestyle changes or bladder training are insufficient. It is intended for long-term use in cases of persistent bladder problems.
Hormone-free
Oxybutynin
Tablet
In short
- For urge incontinence and overactive bladder
- Also helps with hot flushes during menopause
- Tablet containing oxybutynin
- Prescription medication
What is Oxybutynin?
What can you expect from 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.
When should I use Oxybutynin?
- 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.
Possible side effects of Oxybutynin
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.
Scientific references
- 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
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Erik KnauffRegistration number:: 89059736001
Patient Information Leaflet
Read the patient information leaflet carefully before using Oxybutynin.
Oxybutynin helps with
Frequently asked questions
Will my treatment be covered?
This depends on your health insurance provider. We recommend you check with your own insurance company. Supplements are not usually covered.
What is a consultation and how does it work?
During the consultation, you will complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire. You can also state your preferred type of treatment. Based on your answers, a doctor will prepare a treatment plan for you within 48 hours. If you approve this plan, a pharmacy will dispatch the products to your home within 3 days.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Our partner pharmacies will dispatch your order within 3 days. You can then typically start your treatment straight away.
Are there delivery charges?
For prescription medicines, delivery is included in the price. For over-the-counter products, there is a delivery charge of £4.21. We offer free delivery on orders over £40. If your order includes both, delivery is free.
Can I change, cancel or return my order?
Unfortunately, once an order has been placed, it cannot be changed. If you have ordered the wrong product, or wish to change or cancel your order, please contact our customer service team immediately. Over-the-counter products can only be cancelled if they have not yet been prepared or dispatched by the pharmacy. Prescription medicines can be cancelled if they have not yet been assessed by a doctor. Returns are only accepted for over-the-counter products in their original unopened and undamaged packaging, within 14 days of dispatch.