What is Oxybutynin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take your medicine as directed. The dose may change a few times to get the best results.

Oxybutynin chloride oral doses may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. If stomach problems occur, try taking doses with food.

How to take oxybutynin chloride tablets:

• Swallow the tablets with water or other liquids.

• Store oxybutynin tablets at room temperature in a light-resistant container.

How to take oxybutynin chloride tablets:

• Take extended-release tablets at roughly the same time each day.

• Swallow the tablets whole with a sip of water. Do not crush, break, or chew them.

• Store oxybutynin extended-release tablets at room temperature, protected from moisture and humidity.

How to take oxybutynin chloride syrup or solution:

• Measure each dose using a calibrated measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Store at room temperature in a closed container.

How to administer Gelnique oxybutynin chloride topical gel:

• Please read and follow the Patient Instructions that come with this medicine.

• Gelnique should only be used on the skin. Do not swallow it.

• Apply only to dry, intact skin on the abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, or thighs.

• Choose a different application site day by day.

• Do not apply Gelnique to the skin near the mouth, nose, or eyes.

• Do not put Gelnique on sores, wounds, or skin that has just been shaved.

• Gelnique comes in a pump bottle or individual sachets.

• A single dose consists of either one sachet or one pump actuation. 

• Doses are applied once per day.

• Wash your hands with soap and water when finished.

• Do not let other people come in contact with the treated skin. If necessary, cover the treated skin with clothing to prevent contact.

• Store Gelnique at room temperature in a dry place.

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered.

Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose. Take the next dose as scheduled.

Take only one extended-release tablet daily. If a day’s dose is missed and it’s the next day, take the next day’s dose.

Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oxybutynin or have:

• Urinary retention

• Gastric retention

• Other conditions that severely slow down the digestive system, such as very slow stomach emptying or intestinal motility problems

• Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma

Tell any doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professional who treats you that you are using this medicine. 

The doctor will need to perform regular examinations to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

• Kidney disease

• Liver impairment

• Dementia 

• Problems urinating or completely emptying the bladder

• Problems with delayed stomach emptying

• Constipation or other conditions that slow down the intestines, like ulcerative colitis

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Esophagus problems (esophagitis)

• Glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma

• Myasthenia gravis

• Parkinson’s disease

Oxybutynin chloride may cause:

• Asthma symptoms

• Urinary retention

• Constipation

• Eye or vision problems

• Psychiatric and nervous system effects like mood changes, behavior changes, and hallucinations

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or affect your vision. 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, causing your body to get too hot. Take precautions if you exercise strenuously or are outside in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you take, particularly:

• Osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates

• Drugs similar to oxybutynin called anticholinergics

• Drugs that cause drowsiness, such as narcotic pain relievers, antihistamines, sleeping pills, or benzodiazepines

• Clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, metoclopramide

Avoid alcohol when taking oxybutynin chloride. Drinking may worsen oxybutynin side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impairment.

Tell other healthcare professionals about oxybutynin chloride use before they prescribe new medications.