HealthyCanada.com

Oxybutynin is used to treat bladder problems such as the frequent need to urinate or problems with losing bladder control (e.g. incontinence). It may also help prevent bedwetting in children.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to oxybutynin or tolterodine. As well it should not be used or used with extreme caution by people whose glaucoma is not responding to treatment people with myasthenia gravis severe colitis or toxic megacolon or anyone with a blockage of their intestines or urinary tract. Before taking this medication tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

• glaucoma
• problems with esophageal reflux (heartburn) or esophagitis
• problems with your kidney or liver
• problems with your thyroid
• any heart rhythm problems or congestive heart failure
• difficulty going to the bathroom (e.g. urinary incontinence or urinary retention)
• problems with your prostate (an enlarged prostate - prostatic hyperplasia)
• ulcerative colitis with or without a colostomy; other stomach problems
• problems with constipation

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects to this medication include:

• dry mouth or eyes
• constipation
• problems going to the bathroom (urinating)
• feeling dizzy
• feeling tired
• nausea upset stomach or heartburn
• problems with vision
• itching and redness (with the patch)

These side effects are usually related to dose the use of other medications and other factors (e.g. older age other medical conditions). As well some of these side effects may go away with time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse.

Less common side effects include:

• feeling confused or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really present)
• numbness or tingling of the arms and legs
• fast pulse or heart pounding
• rash
• feeling restless
• a decrease in sweating

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

• amantadine amitriptyline and other similar antidepressants MAO-I inhibitors amoxapine diphenydramine chlorpheniramine thioridizine atropine hyoscine scopolamine tolterodine and other anti-cholinergic drugs - may increase your chance of side effects with urinating constipation or dry mouth and other
• drugs that can cause tiredness sedation dizziness or increase the chance of having the same side effects - talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
• antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine hydroxyzine)
• opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine oxycodone morphine hydromorphone)
• other antidepressants (e.g. sertraline paroxetine trazodone) medications for anxiety (e.g. lorazepam diazepam) and antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone haloperidol)
• muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
• drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin phenytoin phenobarbital carbamazepine valproic acid)
• medications for glaucoma - may interfere with how well your glaucoma medications can work.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other Information

Safety in high heat: If the outside temperature is high try to minimize your time outdoors as this medication can decrease your ability to sweat and may increase your chance of experiencing a high fever or heat stroke.

Children: May be used in some children for problems with bedwetting. Lower doses are usually prescribed.

Seniors: Can be used but lower doses are required especially at the start of therapy as this age group is at higher risk for side effects.

Pregnant women: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know the impact this drug has on them personally. Oxybutynin is known to cause blurred vision and drowsiness.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions (i.e. hallucinations trouble breathing fall in blood pressure) or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Do not stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor. Symptoms may return.

If you miss a dose: Generally take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the timing of your next dose in which case you just take this dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist since this medication comes in different forms (short acting long acting patch) and the directions will differ depending on what you are taking.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light always out of reach of children.

Alcohol: Should be avoided or minimized as it can add to the sedative effects of this drug.

Dietary Precautions: None