Oxybutynin Chloride ER, Oxybutynin
Generic Ditropan Xl, Gelnique
Oxybutynin (oks i BYOO ti nin) is a generic medication prescribed for overactive bladder. Oxybutynin belongs to a group of drugs called muscarinic blockers.
Oxybutynin (oks i BYOO ti nin) is a generic medication prescribed for overactive bladder. Oxybutynin belongs to a group of drugs called muscarinic blockers.
- Generic
- • Tablet Extended Release 24 HR
- • 10mg
- • 30 Tablets
Dosage settings
Set your dosage
Make sure your dosage values are correct! In order for Optum Perks to provide the most accurate discount pricing for your prescription, take a moment to verify your dosage above.
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
Introduction
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD on May 27, 2023
Written by Jennifer Mitri Williamson, PharmD
Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oxybutynin to treat:
- overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency in adults and some children
- OAB caused by a neurological condition, such as spina bifida or multiple sclerosis in adults and some children
These approved uses differ based on the form of oxybutynin your doctor prescribes.
This article describes oxybutynin’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of oxybutynin.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of oxybutynin. To find out coupons for oxybutynin extended-release* oral tablet, see this article.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Side effects of oxybutynin
Oxybutynin may cause mild or serious side effects (also known as adverse effects). More common mild side effects of oxybutynin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about oxybutynin’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for oxybutynin.
* To view oxybutynin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of oxybutynin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of oxybutynin you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about oxybutynin’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for oxybutynin.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Oxybutynin’s mild side effects include:
- dry mouth
- constipation or diarrhea
- headache
- dizziness
- mild allergic reaction†
* To view oxybutynin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for oxybutynin” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of oxybutynin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of oxybutynin you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about oxybutynin’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for oxybutynin.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, oxybutynin’s serious side effects include:
- central nervous system problems, such as hallucinations, agitation, or confusion
- urinary retention (difficulty completely emptying the bladder)
- severe allergic reaction†
For oxybutynin oral tablet, the serious side effect angioedema may also occur.
* To view oxybutynin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for oxybutynin” section below.
Common questions about oxybutynin
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about oxybutynin.
Can oxybutynin be used for sweating?
Oxybutynin isn’t approved to treat hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. However, one of the side effects of this medication is sweating less than usual.
So, it’s possible that oxybutynin may be used off-label to treat sweating. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat.
If you have questions about excessive sweating, talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
Is oxybutynin similar to Myrbetriq?
Oxybutynin and Myrbetriq are used to treat overactive bladder (OAB). However, these drugs work in different ways to treat this condition. Because of this, the drugs may have similar side effects but can also have different side effects. In addition, the dosage of oxybutynin and Myrbetriq may be different.
Oxybutynin is available as a generic medication, so it may cost less than drugs that are only available in the brand-name form. In comparison, Myrbetriq is only available as a brand-name medication. So it may cost more than the generic oxybutynin.
If you have questions or concerns about the best treatment options for your OAB, talk with your doctor. There are many treatment options for this condition, including oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, others), mirabegron (Myrbetric), tolterodine (Detrol), and solifenacin (Vesicare).
Does oxybutynin cause weight gain or cancer?
No, you shouldn’t experience weight gain or cancer from taking oxybutynin. In studies*, weight gain and cancer were not reported in people taking oxybutynin.
If you have concerns about weight gain or cancer occurring during your treatment with oxybutynin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about oxybutynin’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information for oxybutynin.
Is oxybutynin a narcotic, and will it cause withdrawal symptoms?
No, oxybutynin is not a narcotic. Narcotic drugs are used to treat pain. Examples of narcotics include morphine (MS Contin) and oxycodone (Roxicodone).
In addition, oxybutynin should not cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.
If you need to stop treatment with oxybutynin, be sure to tell your doctor before stopping the medication. They can determine the safest way to stop treatment with the drug.
Should oxybutynin be taken at night?
When your doctor first prescribes oxybutynin, they’ll recommend how to take the medication.
If you take oxybutynin oral tablet or oral solution, you’ll likely take the drug two to three times per day. So, your doctor may recommend taking your dose in the morning and at night if you’re taking it twice daily. And if you’re taking the drug three times per day, your doctor may recommend taking your dose with each meal.
If you take oxybutynin extended-release* oral tablet, you’ll only need to take the drug once daily. In this case, it’s recommended to take your dose of oxybutynin at the same time each day. So, if you take your dose at night, continue taking your dose at the same time each night.
If you have questions or concerns about the best time to take oxybutynin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
How does oxybutynin work? And how long does it take to start working?
Oxybutynin works to treat an overactive bladder (OAB) by relaxing your bladder muscles. This means that you’ll urinate less often, which can help relieve your symptoms of an OAB.
You may develop an OAB when your bladder muscles contract more often than usual. This can lead to the symptoms of OAB, which include frequent urination or a sudden urge to urinate.
Oxybutynin will begin working as soon as you take your first dose of medication. However, it may take time before you notice the full effects of oxybutynin.
If you have additional questions about what to expect from taking oxybutynin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses of oxybutynin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as oxybutynin for certain conditions. Approved uses for oxybutynin are described below. These uses differ based on the form of oxybutynin prescribed.
Use for overactive bladder
Doctors may prescribe oxybutynin oral tablet, extended-release (ER)* oral tablet, and oral solution for treating overactive bladder (OAB). It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 5 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With OAB, you may experience symptoms such as:
- a sudden urge to urinate
- frequent urination
- urinating often at night
- urinary incontinence
In addition, the ER form of oxybutynin is also approved for an OAB caused by a neurological condition, such as spina bifida. In this case, the drug is approved for children ages 6 years and older. Oxybutynin oral tablet and oral solution are not approved for this use.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Dosage of oxybutynin
The dosage of oxybutynin your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.
Taking oxybutynin
Oxybutynin oral tablet, extended-release tablet,* and oral solution are taken by mouth, with or without food.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take oxybutynin. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
See the “Common questions about oxybutynin” section for information on missed doses and the best time to take this drug.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Overdose of oxybutynin
If you take oxybutynin by mouth, you should not take more oxybutynin than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Interactions and warnings for oxybutynin
Below, you’ll find information about oxybutynin’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of oxybutynin
For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take oxybutynin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Interactions and warnings for oxybutynin” section below.
Warnings for oxybutynin
Some people should not take oxybutynin and others should take it cautiously.
Oxybutynin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether oxybutynin is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of oxybutynin you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for oxybutynin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Oxybutynin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to oxybutynin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe oxybutynin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to oxybutynin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and oxybutynin
Information about oxybutynin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Oxybutynin and pregnancy
It’s not known whether oxybutynin should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Oxybutynin and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether oxybutynin should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Oxybutynin coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for oxybutynin by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for oxybutynin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes oxybutynin’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about oxybutynin or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is oxybutynin available as a brand-name drug?
- Does oxybutynin cause long-term side effects?
- If I can’t afford my oxybutynin, what other treatment options are available?
- What medications should I avoid while taking oxybutynin?
Article resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets, USP, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e464c8dd-5222-4a6b-b7e9-ca608a403c6e/spl-doc
- Oxybutynin chloride tablets, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/72f29eb9-dda9-4e55-bd26-c723e8709662/spl-doc
- Oxybutynin chloride oral solution, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d02e411b-2f34-4d08-a92a-9762cab47269/spl-doc
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.
New! No Prescription? No problem.
Affordable Online Care is here! Answer a few questions about your concern and receive a treatment plan in as little as 15 minutes, from a board-certified provider, 100% online.
Learn more