Oxybutynin

Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication used to relieve urinary and bladder difficulties including frequent urination and inability to control urination (urge incontinence)in adults and bedwetting in children. It works by reducing bladder contractions, this in turn allows the bladder to hold more water/urine. The drug is known for its side effects both in children and the elderly. If you suffer from coronary heart disease or an enlarged prostrate oxybutynin can aggravate these conditions in the elderly. Children are more prone to side effects on the central nervous system, such as hallucinations, restlessness, disorientation and convulsions.

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Quick Guide

• Urinary disorder with danger of overdose danger – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted side effects.

Common: Constipation, Difficulty Passing Water, Dry Mouth, Flushing, Nausea.
Rare: Blurred Vision, Confusion, Eye Pain, Headaches, Rash, Dry Skin.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

A review may be done after six months of treatment. This is to access the need for continued treatment. Apart from this there would be no special problems expected.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Because this drug can cause blurred vision, disorientation and drowsiness you should avoid theses activities until you know how oxybutynin affects you. It would also be best to avoid as alcohol increases the effects of oxybutynin.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

There is a possibility that oxybutynin may harm the unborn baby as safety has not yet been established both in pregnancy or when breast feeding. You should consult your own doctor on both these issues.

Oxybutynin is classified as a Pregnancy Category B Medicine. Category B… Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason.

Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60’s & Children

Adverse effects can be a problem for the over sixties a reduced dose would be necessary. Oxybutynin is not recommended for children under 5years of age, and a reduced dose would be used for older children.

Overdose

There are a number of concerns An unintentional extra doses would not cause concern. However, a large overdose may cause psychotic problems, restlessness, breathing difficulties, a fall in blood pressure, paralysis or even coma. The thing to do would be to notify your doctor immediately. If you think a child may have swallowed any of this medication you should contact your doctor immediately or go to your hospital emergency department taken this medication with you.

Other Medication Reactions

Other drugs that have an anticholinergic effect will increase the risk of side effects when taken along side of oxybutynin.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ideally you would have already checked with your doctor. Failing this ring the surgery or check next time you see your doctor.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

You should consult your doctor before stopping this medication. It possible for symptoms to recur.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

You could expect to feel the effects of this medication within one hour. The medication could have a lasting effect of upto 10 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted medication / drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines / drugs to your pharmacist.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.