This article describes oxybutynin oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for oxybutynin. If you want to know more about oxybutynin oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Oxybutynin oral tablet comes as an immediate-release (IR) form and an extended-release (ER) form.* Oxybutynin IR oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Oxybutynin ER oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Ditropan XL.
Oxybutynin also comes in topical forms you apply to your skin and other forms taken by mouth, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
* IR means the drug is released into your body right away. ER means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Forms and strengths of oxybutynin
Oxybutynin comes in the following forms and strengths in milligrams (mg):
| Form | How to take it | Strengths |
| immediate-release (IR) tablet | take by swallowing | • 2.5 mg • 5 mg |
| extended-release (ER) tablet | take by swallowing | • 5 mg • 10 mg • 15 mg |
The drug releases into your body right away with the IR tablet. With the ER tablet, the drug releases slowly into your body over time.
Dosage of oxybutynin
This article describes the recommended dosages for oxybutynin oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oxybutynin oral tablet to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urinary frequency, incontinence, and urgency in adults and some children. It’s also prescribed to treat OAB related to a neurological condition in adults and some children. Depending on the form of the drug, the approved uses differ.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of oxybutynin oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of oxybutynin in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of oxybutynin oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of oxybutynin oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
The table below shows the recommended and maximum dosages of immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) oxybutynin tablets for adults.* Strengths are given in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Form | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
| OAB | IR tablet | 5 mg two to three times per day | 5 mg four times per day |
| • OAB • OAB related to a neurological condition | ER tablet | 5–10 mg once per day | 30 mg per day |
* IR means the drug is released into your body right away. ER means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Dosages of oxybutynin in children
Oxybutynin is approved for use in some children to treat OAB and OAB related to a neurological condition, such as spina bifida. The form of oxybutynin oral tablet depends on the condition it’s prescribed to treat.
Oxybutynin IR tablet can be prescribed to certain children ages 5 years and older. Oxybutynin ER tablet can be prescribed to certain children ages 6 years and older.
The table below shows the recommended and maximum dosages of IR and ER oxybutynin tablets for children. Strengths are given in mg.
| Condition | Form | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
| OAB | IR tablet | 5 mg twice per day | 5 mg three times per day |
| OAB related to a neurological condition | ER tablet | 5 mg once per day | 20 mg per day |
Dosage adjustments for oxybutynin
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of oxybutynin oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may take
A doctor may decrease the starting dosage for certain older adults (ages 65 years and older). Talk with your doctor to learn about the starting dosage that’s right for you.
Missed dose of oxybutynin
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of oxybutynin oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of oxybutynin oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about oxybutynin oral tablet and its dosage.
How long does it take a dose of oxybutynin to start working?
Oxybutynin oral tablet starts to work after you take your first dose. However, you may not notice an effect right away.
Before starting oxybutynin oral tablet, talk with your doctor about what to expect while taking the medication. They can provide more information about when you may experience a reduction in your symptoms. If your symptoms don’t ease while taking oxybutynin oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
Can I take my dose of oxybutynin dose at night?
Yes, depending on your treatment plan. If you take the immediate-release (IR)* form of oxybutynin oral tablet, you’ll likely take it two to three times daily. Your doctor may recommend taking your doses in the morning and evening or with meals.
If you take oxybutynin extended-release (ER)* oral tablet, you’ll take your dose once per day. You can take it any time of the day, but your doses should be taken around the same time each day.
In general, you should take your doses at the same time each day to keep the drug working in your body more effectively. Talk with your doctor about the dosing schedule that’s right for you.
* IR means the drug is released into your body right away. ER means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Is oxybutynin taken long term?
Yes, doctors usually prescribe oxybutynin oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take oxybutynin oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
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Get free cardHow oxybutynin is taken
Oxybutynin comes as a tablet that you’ll swallow. Oxybutynin oral tablet can be taken with or without food.
Usually, oxybutynin immediate-release (IR)* oral tablet is taken two to three times per day or as directed by your doctor. Oxybutynin extended-release (ER)* oral tablet is usually taken once per day.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body, which can help the drug work more effectively.
The IR tablets have a score line (groove) to make it easier to split them. But you should not break, crush, or chew the ER tablets. ER tablets should be swallowed whole.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
* IR means the drug is released into your body right away. ER means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Oxybutynin coupon
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Overdose of oxybutynin
It’s important that you do not take more oxybutynin oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of oxybutynin overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- dehydration (low fluid level)
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- vomiting
- urinary retention
- changes in heart rhythm
What to do if you take too much oxybutynin
If you think you’ve taken too much oxybutynin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for oxybutynin oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of oxybutynin oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take oxybutynin oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How often will you adjust my dosage of oxybutynin oral tablet?
- Will you need to adjust my dosage of oxybutynin if I take certain other medications? If so, what medications are they?
- Is the dosage the same for oxybutynin extended-release oral tablet and Ditropan XL?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.