Do you also have the urge to urinate frequently? Do you have a sudden urge to urinate and have difficulty controlling it? Do you sometimes leak urine before you even go to the toilet? This is a really annoying condition that makes you feel uncomfortable when moving around in society. Many people are even embarrassed to talk about it. Oxybutynin is one of the main medications that doctors prescribe for overactive bladder. So, today we will simply talk about this medication, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is Oxybutynin?
Simply put, Oxybutynin is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the wall of your bladder. Normally, when our bladder is full, the muscles in it contract, causing us to feel the need to urinate. However, in someone with an overactive bladder, these muscles contract too frequently and unnecessarily before the bladder is completely full. That's why you suddenly have to urinate.
Oxybutynin works by stopping the involuntary muscle contractions. This allows the bladder to hold more urine. This helps control things like frequent urination and sudden urges to urinate. In medicine, we call this type of medicine an antispasmodic.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting Oxybutynin, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking, as this medication may not be compatible with some medical conditions.
| Situation you need to report | Things to pay special attention to |
|---|---|
| Eye diseases | If you have or have ever had glaucoma. |
| Difficulty urinating | If you already have difficulty urinating or a urinary tract obstruction. |
| Digestive system diseases | If you have intestinal obstruction or other serious gastrointestinal diseases. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have liver or kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, dementia, or autonomic neuropathy. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Oxybutynin or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine?
This pill should usually be taken with a glass of water. It is very important to take the correct amount, at the correct time, as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it before or after meals. Do not take more than the amount your doctor tells you to take, or take it more often.
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children. Although it is sometimes prescribed to children over 5 years of age, it should only be done under the close supervision of a doctor.
Most importantly! If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, go to the nearest ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This medicine is for your own use only, do not share it with others.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Oxybutynin can interact with some other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
Here are some of the main types of medications that can interact:
- Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines)
- Some medications for Parkinson's disease
- Some medicines for stomach upset (e.g. dicyclomine)
- Some medications for motion sickness (e.g. scopolamine)
- Antifungal medications (e.g. ketoconazole, fluconazole)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin)
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
It may take a few weeks for the full benefits of this medicine to kick in. So be patient. In addition, be aware of these things.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So avoid driving, operating machinery, and doing other activities that require alertness until you know how this affects you. Be careful when getting up from a standing position or sitting position, especially if you are elderly. Also, avoid alcohol completely.
- Dry mouth: This is a common side effect that many people experience. You can manage this by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor.
- Dry eyes and vision changes: You may experience dry eyes and some blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience more discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used. If the problem is severe, see an eye doctor.
- Be careful of excessive heat: This is very important for our countrymen. This medicine reduces the sweating of the body. Therefore, when you are in a hot environment or exercise, your body temperature can rise dangerously (heat stroke). Therefore, avoid excessive heat and drink plenty of water.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are minor, but others require immediate attention.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Serious allergic reactions (Allergic reactions / Angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Sudden changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, headache, confusion. |
Take-Home Message
- Oxybutynin is a medication for overactive bladder. Always use this only under the advice of your doctor.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- Be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur while taking the medication.
- Be aware of side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, and sensitivity to heat. Drink plenty of water.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious allergic reactions, vision changes, or difficulty urinating.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else.
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