Drug Reference

Oxybutynin

Drugs for urinary frequency and incontinence

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Therapeutic class
Drugs for urinary frequency and incontinence
Action class
Cholinergic Muscarinic Antagonist
Mechanism
Cholinergic Muscarinic Antagonists
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

DitropanGelniqueOxytrol

Available as

0.162 MG/HR1 MG/ML · Oral Solution10 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet15 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet5 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet0.5 MG/ML · Oral Solution5 MG · Oral Tablet2.5 MG · Oral Tablet3 MG · Oral Tablet0.1 MG/MG · Topical Gel

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets are a muscarinic antagonist indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets are also indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with symptoms of detrusor overactivity associated with a neurological condition (e.g., spina bifida). Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets are a muscarinic antagonist indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. (1) Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets are also indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with symptoms of detrusor overactivity associated with a neurological condition (e.g., spina bifida). (1)
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Oxybutynin relaxes bladder smooth muscle. Oxybutynin chloride exerts a direct antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle and inhibits the muscarinic action of acetylcholine on smooth muscle. No blocking effects occur at skeletal neuromuscular junctions or autonomic ganglia (antinicotinic effects). Antimuscarinic activity resides predominantly in the R-isomer. A metabolite, desethyloxybutynin, has pharmacological activity similar to that of oxybutynin in in vitro studies.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole with the aid of liquids, and must not be chewed, divided, or crushed. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets may be administered with or without food. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole with the aid of liquids, and must not be chewed, divided, or crushed. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets may be administered with or without food. (2) Adults: Start with 5 mg or 10 mg, once daily at approximately the same time every day. Dose should not exceed 30 mg per day. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric patients (6 years of age or older): Start with 5 mg, once daily at approximately the same time every day. Dose should not exceed 20 mg per day. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Adults The recommended starting dose of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets is 5 or 10 mg once daily at approximately the same time each day. Dosage may be adjusted in 5-mg increments to achieve a balance of efficacy and tolerability (up to a maximum of 30 mg/day). In general, dosage adjustment may proceed at approximately weekly intervals. 2.2 Pediatric Patients Aged 6 Years of Age and Older The recommended starting dose of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets is 5 mg once daily at approximately the same time each day. Dosage may be adjusted in 5-mg increments to achieve a balance of efficacy and tolerability (up to a maximum of 20 mg/day).
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common (incidence ≥5%) adverse reactions were dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, headache, somnolence, and dizziness. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AvKARE, Inc. at 1-855-361-3993 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety and efficacy of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets (5 to 30 mg/day) was evaluated in 774 adult subjects who participated in five double-blind, controlled clinical trials. In four of the five studies, Oxybutynin chloride IR (5 to 20 mg/day in 199 subjects) was an active comparator. Adverse reactions reported by ≥ 1% of subjects are shown in Table 1. Table 1: Adverse Drug Reactions Reported by ≥ 1% of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets-treated Adult Subjects in Five Double-blind, Controlled Clinical Trials of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets System/Organ Class Preferred Term Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets 5 to 30 mg/day n = 774 % Oxybutynin chloride IR IR = immediate release 5 to 20 mg/day n = 199 % Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 3.0 5.5 Nervous System Disorders Headache 7.5 8.0 Somnolence 5.6 14.1 Dizziness 5.0 16.6 Dysgeusia 1.6 1.5 Eye Disorders Vision blurred 4.3 9.6 Dry eye 3.1 2.5 Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 1.9 3.0 Oropharyngeal pain 1.9 1.5 Dry throat 1.7 2.5 Nasal dryness 1.7 4.5 Gastrointestinal Disorders Dry mouth 34.9 72.4 Constipation 8.7 15.1 Diarrhea 7.9 6.5 Dyspepsia 4.5 6.0 Nausea 4.5 11.6 Abdominal pain 1.6 2.0 Vomiting 1.3 1.5 Flatulence 1.2 2.5 Gastro-esophageal reflux disease 1.0 0.5 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Dry skin 1.8 2.5 Pruritus 1.3 1.5 Renal and Urinary Disorders Dysuria 1.9 2.0 Urinary hesitation 1.9 8.5 Urinary retention 1.2 3.0 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 2.6 3.0 Investigations Residual urine volume The bundled term residual urine volume consists of the preferred terms residual urine volume and residual urine volume increased. 2.3 3.5 The discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 4.4% with Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets compared to 0% with Oxybutynin chloride IR. The most frequent adverse reaction causing discontinuation of study medication was dry mouth (0.7% ). The following adverse reactions were reported by <1% of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets-treated patients and at a higher incidence than placebo in clinical trials: Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: anorexia, fluid retention; Vascular disorders: hot flush; Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dysphonia; Gastrointestinal Disorders: dysphagia, frequent bowel movements; General disorders and administration site conditions: chest discomfort, thirst. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following additional adverse reactions have been reported from worldwide postmarketing experience with Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets. Because postmarketing reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Infections and Infestations: Urinary tract infection; Psychiatric Disorders: psychotic disorder, agitation, confusional state, hallucinations, memory impairment; Nervous System Disorders: convulsions; Eye Disorders: glaucoma; Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: nasal congestion; Cardiac Disorders: arrhythmia, tachycardia, palpitations; QT interval prolongation; Vascular Disorders: flushing, hypertension; Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: rash; Renal and Urinary Disorders: impotence;General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: hypersensit

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyConsult your doctor
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies using Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets in pregnant women. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk to the patient and fetus. Women who become pregnant during Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets treatment are encouraged to contact their physician. Risk Summary Based on animal data, oxybutynin is predicted to have a low probability of increasing the risk of adverse developmental effects above background risk. Animal Data Reproduction studies with oxybutynin chloride in the mouse, rat, hamster, and rabbit showed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the animal fetus.
BreastfeedingCaution
8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether oxybutynin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets are administered to a nursing woman.
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingConsult your doctor
…Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets affect them.…
KidneyConsult your doctor
…(8.4) Renal or Hepatic Impairment: There have been no studies conducted in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.…
LiverConsult your doctor
…(8.4) Renal or Hepatic Impairment: There have been no studies conducted in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Angioedema: Angioedema has been reported with oxybutynin. If symptoms of angioedema occur, discontinue Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets immediately and initiate appropriate therapy. ( 5.1 ) Central Nervous System (CNS) effects: CNS effects have been reported with oxybutynin. If patient experiences anticholinergic CNS effects, consider dose adjustment or discontinuation of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets. ( 5.2 ) Use with caution due to aggravation of symptoms: Pre-existing dementia in patients treated with cholinesterase inhibitors ( 5.2 ), Parkinson's disease ( 5.2 ), Myasthenia gravis ( 5.3 ), and Decreased gastrointestinal motility in patients with autonomic neuropathy. ( 5.4 ) Urinary Retention: Use with caution in patients with clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction because of the risk of urinary retention ( 5.5 ) Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders or decreased intestinal motility due to risk of gastric retention. Use with caution in patients with gastroesophageal reflux or in patients concurrently taking drugs that can exacerbate esophagitis. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Angioedema Angioedema of the face, lips, tongue and/or larynx has been reported with oxybutynin. In some cases, angioedema occurred after the first dose. Angioedema associated with upper airway swelling may be life-threatening. If involvement of the tongue, hypopharynx, or larynx occurs, oxybutynin should be promptly discontinued and appropriate therapy and/or measures necessary to ensure a patent airway should be promptly provided. 5.2 Central Nervous System Effects Oxybutynin is associated with anticholinergic central nervous system (CNS) effects [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. A variety of CNS anticholinergic effects have been reported, including hallucinations, agitation, confusion and somnolence. Patients should be monitored for signs of anticholinergic CNS effects, particularly in the first few months after beginning treatment or increasing the dose. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets affect them. If a patient experiences anticholinergic CNS effects, dose reduction or drug discontinuation should be considered. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients with preexisting dementia treated with cholinesterase inhibitors due to the risk of aggravation of symptoms. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients with Parkinson's disease due to the risk of aggravation of symptoms. 5.3 Worsening of Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis due to the risk of symptom aggravation. 5.4 Worsening of Symptoms of Decreased Gastrointestinal Motility in Patients with Autonomic Neuropathy Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients with autonomic neuropathy due to the risk of aggravation of symptoms of decreased gastrointestinal motility. 5.5 Urinary Retention Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be administered with caution to patients with clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction because of the risk of urinary retention [see Contraindications (4) ]. 5.6 Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be administered with caution to patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders because of the risk of gastric retention [see Contraindications (4) ]. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets, like other anticholinergic drugs, may decrease gastrointestinal motility and should be used with caution in patients with conditions such as ulcerative colitis and intestinal atony. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients who have gastroesophageal r
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with urinary retention, gastric retention and other severe decreased gastrointestinal motility conditions, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets are also contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to the drug substance or other components of the product. There have been reports of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angiodema. Urinary retention (4) Gastric Retention (4) Uncontrolled narrow angle glaucoma (4) Known hypersensitivity to Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets, oxybutynin or any component of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets (4)

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets were studied in 60 children in a 24-week, open-label, non-randomized trial. Patients were aged 6–15 years, all had symptoms of detrusor overactivity in association with a neurological condition (e.g., spina bifida), all used clean intermittent catheterization, and all were current users of oxybutynin chloride. Study results demonstrated that administration of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets 5 to 20 mg/day was associated with an increase from baseline in mean urine volume per catheterization from 108 mL to 136 mL, an increase from baseline in mean urine volume after morning awakening from 148 mL to 189 mL, and an increase from baseline in the mean percentage of catheterizations without a leaking episode from 34% to 51%. Urodynamic results were consistent with clinical results. Administration of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets resulted in an increase from baseline in mean maximum cystometric capacity from 185 mL to 254 mL, a decrease from baseline in mean detrusor pressure at maximum cystometric capacity from 44 cm H 2 O to 33 cm H 2 O, and a reduction in the percentage of patients demonstrating uninhibited detrusor contractions (of at least 15 cm H 2 O) from 60% to 28%. The pharmacokinetics of Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets in these patients were consistent with those reported for adults [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets are not recommended in pediatric patients who cannot swallow the tablet whole without chewing, dividing, or crushing, or in children under the age of 6.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The concomitant use of oxybutynin with other anticholinergic drugs or with other agents which produce dry mouth, constipation, somnolence (drowsiness), and/or other anticholinergic-like effects may increase the frequency and/or severity of such effects. Anticholinergic agents may potentially alter the absorption of some concomitantly administered drugs due to anticholinergic effects on gastrointestinal motility. This may be of concern for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index. Anticholinergic agents may also antagonize the effects of prokinetic agents, such as metoclopramide. Mean oxybutynin chloride plasma concentrations were approximately 2 fold higher when Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets were administered with ketoconazole, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor. Other inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme system, such as antimycotic agents (e.g., itraconazole and miconazole) or macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin and clarithromycin), may alter oxybutynin mean pharmacokinetic parameters (i.e., C max and AUC). The clinical relevance of such potential interactions is not known. Caution should be used when such drugs are co-administered. Co-administration with other anticholinergic drugs may increase the frequency and/or severity of anticholinergic-like effects. (7) Co-administration with strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) increases the systemic exposure of oxybutynin. (7)
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE The continuous release of oxybutynin from Oxybutynin chloride extended-release tablets should be considered in the treatment of overdosage. Patients should be monitored for at least 24 hours. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Activated charcoal as well as a cathartic may be administered. Overdosage with oxybutynin chloride has been associated with anticholinergic effects including central nervous system excitation, flushing, fever, dehydration, cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, and urinary retention. Ingestion of 100 mg oxybutynin chloride in association with alcohol has been reported in a 13-year-old boy who experienced memory loss, and a 34-year-old woman who developed stupor, followed by disorientation and agitation on awakening, dilated pupils, dry skin, cardiac arrhythmia, and retention of urine. Both patients fully recovered with symptomatic treatment.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

13 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.