Oxybutynin Chloride
About Oxybutynin Chloride
Oxybutynin Chloride belongs to the group of medicines called anti-spasmodic/anti-cholinergic agents used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urinary incontinence (urine leakage), urgent or frequent urination, increased night-time urination, and dysuria (painful or difficult urination). Additionally, Oxybutynin Chloride is used to treat night-time bed-wetting in children above 5 years when other treatments have not worked.
Oxybutynin Chloride contains 'Oxybutynin chloride', which works by blocking the release of a chemical transmitter called acetylcholine responsible for bladder muscle contractions. Thereby relaxing the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and stopping sudden muscle spasms (contractions). This helps control urine by delaying the initial desire to empty the bladder and increases the urine holding capacity of the bladder.
Take Oxybutynin Chloride as prescribed. You are advised to take Oxybutynin Chloride for as long as your doctor has recommended it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, headache, facial flushing, constipation, dry mouth, dry skin, urinary retention, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Oxybutynin Chloride may cause dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, and blurred vision, so drive only if you are alert. Oxybutynin Chloride should not be given to children below 5 years as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Oxybutynin Chloride as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications before taking Oxybutynin Chloride to rule out any unpleasant side-effects.
Uses of Oxybutynin Chloride
Medicinal Benefits
Oxybutynin Chloride is used to treat overactive bladder with urinary incontinence symptoms (urine leakage), urgent or frequent urination, increased night-time urination, and dysuria (painful or difficult urination). Oxybutynin Chloride works by blocking the release of a chemical transmitter called acetylcholine responsible for bladder muscle contractions. Thereby relaxing the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and stopping sudden muscle spasms (contractions). This helps control urine by delaying the initial desire to empty the bladder and increasing the bladder's urine holding capacity. Oxybutynin Chloride decreases both frequency and urgency of urination and helps with bladder control in people with overactive bladder. Oxybutynin Chloride is also used to treat night-time bed-wetting in children above 5 years when other treatments have not worked. Oxybutynin Chloride may also be used in adults and children aged 6years or older to control bladder muscles with spina bifida and other nervous system conditions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Oxybutynin Chloride
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Urinary retention
- Diarrhoea
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Overactive bladder (OAB): The contraction or tightening of bladder muscles causes bladder spasms. This is termed as overactive bladder. Continuous contractions may cause an urge to urinate. Overactive bladder is characterised by involuntary leakage of urine, excessive urination, and urgent need to urinate. The common causes of bladder spasms are urinary tract infections, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, diabetes, constipation, impaired kidney function, bladder stones, enlarged prostate, or neurological disorders. Overactive bladder symptoms include urinating more than 8 times in a day and more than 2times at night, strong and sudden need to urinate, leakage of urine, and loss of bladder control.
FAQs
Oxybutynin Chloride works by blocking the release of a chemical transmitter called acetylcholine which is responsible for bladder muscle contractions. Thereby relaxing the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and stopping sudden muscle spasms (contractions).
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Oxybutynin Chloride. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
There is some overlap between the symptoms of both OAB and BPH. OAB occurs due to uncontrolled urinary bladder muscle contractions. The main symptom of OAB is a sudden urge to urinate that's hard to control. On the other hand, BPH occurs due to an enlarged prostate gland, which puts pressure on the urinary bladder, thereby causing pain during urination.
Oxybutynin Chloride should be used with caution during hot weather as it may increase the chance of having a heat stroke. Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Inform your doctor if you have heat intolerance or fever.
Consult your doctor before taking Oxybutynin Chloride if you have glaucoma. Oxybutynin Chloride is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience loss of vision, blurred vision, or pain in the eye.
Oxybutynin Chloride may reduce the amount of saliva, thereby causing fungal infection of the mouth and tooth decay. To avoid this, maintain proper oral hygiene while taking Oxybutynin Chloride. A regular dental check-up is recommended if you are on long-term treatment with Oxybutynin Chloride.
