Oxybutynin

Your child needs to take the medicine called oxybutynin (say: oks-i-BYOO-ti-nin). This information sheet explains what oxybutynin does, how to take it, and what side effects or problems your child may have when he or she takes this medicine.

What is this medicine?

Oxybutynin is a medicine that helps relax the bladder muscle. This lessens your child’s urge to urinate caused by muscle spasms. This medicine is used to treat urinary bladder conditions and bedwetting.

How should you give your child this medicine?

Follow these instructions when giving your child oxybutynin:

• Give your child oxybutynin regularly, even if your child seems well. Talk to your child’s doctor before you stop giving oxybutynin for any reason.
• Give your child oxybutynin with the special spoon or syringe that the pharmacist gave you, if your child is taking liquid oxybutynin.
• Give your child oxybutynin with food or milk if the medicine upsets your child’s stomach.

What should you do if your child misses a dose?

If your child misses a dose of oxybutynin:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Give your child the next dose at the regular time.
• Give your child only one dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Your child may have some side effects while he or she takes oxybutynin. Usually your child will not need to see the doctor about them. These side effects may go away as your child’s body gets used to oxybutynin.

Check with your child’s doctor if your child has any of these signs or symptoms and they do not go away or they bother your child:

• sweating less
• drowsiness
• blurred vision
• eyes are sensitive to light
• upset stomach, throwing up
• problems urinating
• dryness of mouth, nose, and throat
• trouble having a bowel movement (constipation)

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child’s doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• eye pain
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hallucinations
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• trouble breathing
• unusual excitement or irritability
• confusion
• rash or itchy skin

What other important information should you know about this medicine?

Oxybutynin may make your child drowsy or less alert than normal. Tell your child’s teacher that your child is taking this medicine.

This medicine may make your child’s mouth and throat dry. Sucking a hard sugarless candy or chewing sugarless gum will help your child feel more comfortable.

Oxybutynin may make your child sweat less. This may cause his or her body temperature to rise. Be careful that your child does not become overheated during exercise or in hot weather while he or she is taking this medicine.

This medicine may make your child’s eyes more sensitive to light than normal. He or she may feel more comfortable by wearing sunglasses and staying away from bright lights.

Keep a list of all medications your child is on and show the list to the doctor or pharmacist. Check with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before you give your child any other medicine, even medicine you can buy without a doctor’s order (prescription).

Do not share your child’s medicine with others. Do not give anyone else’s medicine to your child.

Make sure you always have enough oxybutynin on hand in case your child needs it. Call your pharmacy at least 2 days before your child runs out of medicine to order refills.

Keep oxybutynin tablets and liquid at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do NOT store it in the bathroom or kitchen.

Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.

Keep all medicines out of your child’s sight and reach.

If your child takes too much of any medicine, call the Ontario Poison Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free.

• Call 416-813-5900 if you live in Toronto.
• Call 1-800-268-9017 if you live somewhere else in Ontario.
• If you live outside of Ontario, call your local Poison Information Centre.

Disclaimer: The information in this Family Med-aid is accurate at the time of printing. It provides a summary of information about oxybutynin and does not contain all possible information about this medicine. Not all side effects are listed. If you have any questions or want more information about oxybutynin, speak to your health care provider.

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