Key takeaways

  • Oxybutynin immediate-release oral tablet is used to treat overactive bladder.
  • This form of oxybutynin is available in a generic version only.
  • More common side effects of oxybutynin include being unable to urinate, constipation, and dry mouth.

Oxybutynin oral tablet is a prescription drug that is available in a generic version only.

Oxybutynin oral tablet may be used as part of a combination therapy. That means you need to take it with other drugs.

Oxybutynin oral tablet is an immediate-release tablet, meaning the drug is released into your body right away.

Note: Oxybutynin also comes as an extended-release oral tablet (which releases the drug slowly into your body over a long period of time), oral syrup, topical gel, and topical patch. This article covers only the immediate-release oral tablet form of oxybutynin. For information about the other forms of oxybutynin, talk with your doctor.

Why it’s used

Oxybutynin oral tablet is used to treat overactive bladder. Symptoms of this condition can include:

  • urinating more often than usual
  • feeling like you need to urinate more often
  • urinary leakage
  • painful urination
  • being unable to hold your urine

How it works

Oxybutynin belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics/antimuscarinics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Oxybutynin works by relaxing the muscles of your bladder. This decreases your sudden need to urinate, having to urinate often, and leaking in between bathroom visits.

Oxybutynin can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking oxybutynin. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of oxybutynin, or tips on how to manage a bothersome side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with oxybutynin include:

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • not being able to empty your bladder
  • swelling around your eyes, lips, genitals, hands, or feet

Oxybutynin can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Here you’ll find a list of medications that can interact with oxybutynin. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with oxybutynin.

Before taking oxybutynin, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Antidepressant drugs

Taking certain antidepressant drugs with oxybutynin may increase your risk of side effects. Examples of these drugs include:

Allergy drugs

Taking certain allergy drugs with oxybutynin may increase your risk of side effects. Examples of these drugs include:

  • chlorpheniramine
  • diphenhydramine

Psychosis and schizophrenia drugs

Taking certain psychosis and schizophrenia drugs with oxybutynin may increase your risk of side effects. Examples of these drugs include:

  • chlorpromazine
  • thioridazine

Antifungal drugs

Certain antifungal drugs will increase the level of oxybutynin in your body. This will raise your risk of side effects. Examples of these drugs include:

Dementia drugs

Oxybutynin may worsen dementia symptoms if you take it with certain dementia drugs. These drugs, called cholinesterase inhibitors, include:

This drug comes with several warnings.

Swelling warning

Oxybutynin can cause angioedema (swelling) around your eyes, lips, genitals, hands, or feet due to an allergic reaction. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking this drug and seek emergency help right away.

Central nervous system side effects warning

This drug may cause drowsiness, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real). This is most likely to happen during the first few months you take this medication or after your dosage is increased. If you have these side effects, your doctor may decrease your dosage or have you stop taking this drug.

Dementia warning

Research shows this drug can raise your risk of dementia.

Allergy warning

Oxybutynin may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of your throat or tongue
  • hives
  • severe skin reactions

You shouldn’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it a second time after an allergic reaction could be fatal.

Alcohol warning

You shouldn’t drink alcohol while taking oxybutynin. Alcohol raises your risk of serious side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Alcohol can also worsen your overactive bladder symptoms.

Other warnings

For people with autonomic neuropathy: Oxybutynin can make your stomach problems worse. You should use this drug with caution if you have this condition.

For people with bladder outlet obstruction: Oxybutynin may increase your risk of not being able to empty your bladder.

For people with stomach problems: Oxybutynin may cause more stomach problems if you have a history of ulcerative colitis, stomach pain, or reflux.

For people with myasthenia gravis: Oxybutynin may make your symptoms worse.

For people with dementia: If you’re treating your dementia with a drug called a cholinesterase inhibitor, oxybutynin may worsen your dementia symptoms. Your doctor can tell you more.

For children: The safety and effectiveness of oxybutynin in children younger than 5 years haven’t been established.

During pregnancy: There aren’t enough studies done during pregnancy to show whether the drug poses a risk to the fetus.

Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.

While breastfeeding: It isn’t known whether oxybutynin passes into breast milk. If it does, it may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

The oxybutynin dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • your age
  • how severe your condition is
  • other medical conditions you have
  • how you react to the first dose

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Forms and strengths

Oxybutynin immediate-release oral tablet comes in a strength of 2.5 milligrams (mg) and 5 mg.

Dosage for overactive bladder

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

  • Typical starting dosage: 5 mg taken by mouth two to three times per day.
  • Maximum dosage: 5 mg taken by mouth four times per day.

Child dosage (ages 5 to 17 years)

  • Typical starting dosage: 5 mg taken by mouth two times per day.
  • Maximum dosage: 5 mg taken by mouth three times per day.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

For some older adults, doctors may prescribe a dosage of 2.5 mg taken two to three times per day.

Oxybutynin is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s just a few hours before the time of your next dose, you should wait until your regularly scheduled time to take your dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in toxic side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms of overactive bladder may lessen.

If you don’t take it at all: Your symptoms of overactive bladder won’t lessen.

If you skip or miss doses: You may not see the full benefit of this medication.

If you take too much: You may experience more side effects if you take too much of this drug. These include:

  • dizziness
  • headache
  • not being able to urinate
  • constipation
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
  • confusion
  • drowsiness

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

As with all medications, the cost of oxybutynin can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Here are a few tips for saving money on your oxybutynin prescription:

  • Comparing pharmacies: The price of oxybutynin may vary depending on which pharmacy you use, so it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost.
  • Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.
  • Financial assistance: Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes oxybutynin for you.

General

  • You can take oxybutynin with or without food.
  • You can cut or crush the immediate-release oral tablet.

Storage

  • You should store oxybutynin at a temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). You can store it briefly at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
  • Keep this drug away from light.
  • You shouldn’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

  • You should always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • You don’t have to worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
  • You shouldn’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Your diet

Caffeine may worsen your symptoms of overactive bladder. It may also make this drug less effective in treating your condition. Therefore, you should limit your caffeine intake while taking oxybutynin.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be more suitable for you than others. Talk with your doctor about possible alternatives.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.