Where is Oxybutynin Chloride used?
Oxybutynin Chloride is a prescription used to treat urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency in people with unstable bladder conditions. This type of condition is called overactive bladder (OAB). OAB causes a sudden urge to urinate. The urge may be difficult to stop and it may lead to the involuntary loss of urine. This medication relaxes the muscles in the bladder. It is to help lessen problems of urgency and frequent urination.
Oxybutynin Chloride may also be used to treat bedwetting or nocturnal enuresis associated with an overactive bladder in children aged 5 years and over. This is used in combination with other non-drug therapy. It is only when other approaches have not been successful. Oxybutynin Chloride belongs to the class of medications called an anticholinergic muscle relaxant. This helps lessen your sudden need to urinate and leaking in between bathroom visits.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication. This product is supplied as tablets for oral use.
How does Oxybutynin Chloride work?
Oxybutynin Chloride works by calming the involuntary muscle found in the wall of the bladder. The detrusor muscle could occasionally contract in uncontrollable spasms. The overactive detrusor muscle may reason to an increased time you need to pass urine. It also includes involuntary leakage of urine and uncontrollable needs to pass urine.
By relaxing the detrusor muscle, Oxybutynin Chloride lessens unstable and involuntary contractions of the bladder. Thereby, it increases the capacity of the bladder to hold urine. This, in turn, decreases the need to pass urine.
How is Oxybutynin Chloride taken?
The prescribed dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment.
Oxybutynin Chloride is usually taken two to three times a day. It is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. You may take each dose with or without a meal. To help you remember, take it at the same time and in the same way each day.
You may notice some improvement in your symptoms within the first two weeks of treatment. However, it may take six to eight weeks to experience the full benefit of this drug. Inform your doctor if your condition gets worse or does not improve.
What are the possible side effects of Oxybutynin Chloride?
Common side effects:
- Constipation
- Being unable to urinate
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Upset stomach or stomach pain
- Diarrhea
What are the precautions in taking Oxybutynin Chloride?
- This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If affected do not drive or use any machinery.
- This medication is not prescribed for use in children less than 5 years of age. If your child has been prescribed this medication, ask your doctor if you want further information.
- You should not share this drug with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
- This is not prescribed for use in pregnant women as well as breastfeeding women.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.
- You should limit your caffeine intake. It may worsen your symptoms of an overactive bladder. It may as well make the drug less effective in treating your condition.
