Oxybutynin (By mouth)

Introduction:

Oxybutynin (ox-i-BUE-ti-nin)

Treats overactive bladder by decreasing how often or how urgently you feel the need to urinate. Helps you control your urine. Also treats bladder spasms.

Brand Name(s):

Ditropan XL

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• Tell your doctor if you are using a medicine that may irritate your stomach or esophagus, such as biphosphonates (alendronate, etidronate, Fosamax®, Didronel®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an antibiotic or antifungal medicine to fight or prevent an infection (such as ketoconazole, miconazole, erythromycin, or clarithromycin). Make sure your doctor knows about any other medicine you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have myasthenia gravis, liver disease, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have severe bleeding, prostate problems, glaucoma, or heart disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have problems with your esophagus or stomach, such as esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Tell your doctor if you have colitis, or any other medical problems.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may make you have trouble sweating and cause your body to get too hot. Be careful in hot weather, when you are exercising, or when using a sauna or whirlpool.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Confusion or extreme behavior changes.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat, coughing.
• Seeing or hearing unusual things.
• Seizures (convulsions), or fainting.
• Trouble urinating, painful urination, or a change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Unable to sweat, feeling overheated, or having a fever.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain or aching joints.
• Blurred vision, dry eyes, or eyes sensitive to light.
• Constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, or abdominal (belly) pain.
• Dizziness, feeling overly tired
• Dry mouth or dry nose.
• Impotence (problems having an erection).
• Nausea or vomiting.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: