Oxybutynin
Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication that relaxes bladder smooth muscle and reduces involuntary contractions. It is primarily prescribed to treat overactive bladder, providing relief from urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the bladder wall.
Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic bladder relaxant used to treat overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G04BD04
- RxNorm
- 32675
- Generic
- Oxybutynin
- Class
- atc-g04
- Brands
- Ditropan, Oxytrol, Gelnique
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Routes
- oral, topical
- Forms
- tablet, solution, gel
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring and fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
do not use during breastfeeding; drug is excreted in breast milk
monitor infant for anticholinergic symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lowest effective dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects
monitor for cognitive changes, falls, and anticholinergic adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 5 12 yearsweight-based dosing, do not exceed recommended maximum
use with caution; not recommended for children under 5 years
monitor for behavioral changes and anticholinergic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderatereduce dose, monitor renal function
use with caution; dose adjustment may be required
monitor renal function and for anticholinergic adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction recommended
use with caution; consider alternative therapy
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose
use with caution; dose adjustment may be required
monitor liver function and for anticholinergic adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
avoid in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
Original FDA approval for Oxybutynin chloride
Drug class
ATC code G04BD04 - Urinary antispasmodics
Primary indications
Approved therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Competitive antagonism of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors
Oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), including symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence. It may also be prescribed for neurogenic bladder conditions and sometimes for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Oxybutynin is an antimuscarinic agent that exerts a direct antispasmodic effect on bladder smooth muscle. It blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, preventing acetylcholine from triggering involuntary bladder contractions, thereby increasing bladder capacity and reducing urgency.
Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and dizziness due to its anticholinergic activity. It should be used cautiously in elderly patients and those with narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, or severe gastrointestinal conditions. Patients should avoid overheating as decreased sweating is a known effect. The medication is typically taken 2-3 times daily in immediate-release form or once daily for extended-release formulations.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy