THE MERCK MANUAL: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
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Oxybutynin Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Pronunciation

(oks i BYOO ti nin)

Generic Available (U.S.)

Yes: Excludes gel, transdermal patch

Index Terms

  • Anturol®
  • Ditropan
  • Oxybutynin Chloride

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Ditropan XL®
  • Gelnique®
  • Oxytrol®

Brand Names: Canada

  • Apo-Oxybutynin®
  • Ditropan XL®
  • Dom-Oxybutynin
  • Gelnique®
  • Mylan-Oxybutynin
  • Novo-Oxybutynin
  • Nu-Oxybutyn
  • Oxybutyn
  • Oxybutynine
  • Oxytrol®
  • PHL-Oxybutynin
  • PMS-Oxybutynin
  • Riva-Oxybutynin
  • Uromax®

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antispasmodic Agent, Urinary

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Spasmolytic Agent, Urinary

Use: Labeled Indications

Antispasmodic for neurogenic bladder (urgency, frequency, leakage, urge incontinence, dysuria); extended release formulation also indicated for treatment of symptoms associated with detrusor overactivity due to a neurological condition (eg, spina bifida)

Pregnancy Risk Factor

B

Pregnancy Considerations

Teratogenic effects were not observed in animal studies. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Breast-Feeding Considerations

Suppression of lactation has been reported.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to oxybutynin or any component of the formulation; patients with or at risk for uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, gastric retention or conditions with severely decreased GI motility

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Angioedema: Cases of angioedema have been reported with oral oxybutynin; some cases have occurred after a single dose. Discontinue immediately if develops.

• Anticholinergic effects: May cause anticholinergic effects (eg, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, somnolence) which may require dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy.

• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).

• Heat prostration: May increase the risk of heat prostration.

Disease-related concerns:

• Autonomic neuropathy: Use with caution in patients with autonomic neuropathy; may exacerbate condition.

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with CAD, heart failure, hypertension, and/or cardiac arrhythmias; may exacerbate condition.

• Dementia: Use with caution in patients with dementia treated with cholinesterase inhibitors; may aggravate symptoms of disease.

• Gastrointestinal disorders: Use with caution in patients with ulcerative colitis, intestinal atony, gastroesophageal reflux or with medications that may exacerbate esophagitis (eg, bisphosphonates). May decrease GI motility; in patients with ulcerative colitis, use may increase risk of paralytic ileus or toxic megacolon.

• Glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with treated angle-closure glaucoma; may exacerbate condition; use is contraindicated with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; due to limited experience.

• Hiatal hernia: Use with caution in patients with hiatal hernia.

• Hyperthyroidism: Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism; may exacerbate condition.

• Myasthenia gravis: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis; may exacerbate condition.

• Prostatic hyperplasia/urinary stricture: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia and/or urinary stricture; may cause urinary retention.

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; due to limited experience. Use caution with bladder outflow obstruction; may increase risk of urinary retention.

Special populations:

• Elderly: This class of medication is poorly tolerated by the elderly due to anticholinergic effects, sedation, and weakness. Efficacy is questionable at dosages tolerated by elderly patients. Oxybutynin extended-release is considered an exception. (Beers Criteria).

Dosage form specific issues:

• Extended release formulation: The extended release formulation consists of drug within a nondeformable matrix; following drug release/absorption, the matrix/shell is expelled in the stool. The use of nondeformable products in patients with known stricture/narrowing of the GI tract has been associated with symptoms of obstruction (rare).

• Topical gel: To minimize transferring medication to others, cover treatment area with clothing after gel has dried. Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs. Contains ethanol; do not expose to open flame or smoking until gel has dried.

• Transdermal patch: May contain conducting metal (eg, aluminum); remove patch prior to MRI.

Adverse Reactions

Oral:

>10%:

Central nervous system: Dizziness (4% to 17%), somnolence (2% to 14%)

Gastrointestinal: Xerostomia (29% to 71%; dose related), constipation (7% to 15%), nausea (2% to 12%)

5% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache (6% to 10%), pain (1% to 7%), nervousness (1% to 7%), insomnia (1% to 6%)

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (1% to 9%), dyspepsia (5% to 7%)

Genitourinary: Urinary hesitation (9%), urinary tract infection (5% to 7%), urinary retention (6%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (3% to 7%)

Ocular: Blurred vision (1% to 10%), dry eyes (3% to 6%)

Respiratory: Rhinitis (2% to 6%)

1% to <5%: Abdominal pain, aptyalism, arrhythmia, arthralgia, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, confusion, cough, cystitis, depression, dry skin, dry throat, dysgeusia, dysphagia, dysuria, edema, eructation, extremity pain, eye irritation, fatigue, flank pain, flatulence, fluid retention, flushing, fungal infection, gastrointestinal reflux disease, hoarseness, hyperglycemia, hyper-/hypotension, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, loose stools, nasal congestion, nasal dryness, nasopharyngitis, palpitation, peripheral edema, pharyngolaryngeal pain, pollakiuria, pruritus, seizure, sinus congestion, sinus headache, sinusitis, thirst, tongue coated, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting

Postmarketing and/or case reports: Agitation, anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, cycloplegia, GI motility decreased, hallucination, hypersensitivity reactions, impotence, lactation suppression, memory impairment, mydriasis, psychotic disorder, QTc prolongation, rash, sweating decreased, tachycardia

Topical gel:

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Dizziness (2% to 3%), fatigue (2%), headache (2%)

Dermatologic: Pruritus (1%)

Gastrointestinal: Xerostomia (7% to 8%), gastroenteritis (2%), constipation (1%)

Genitourinary: Urinary tract infection (7%)

Local: Application site reaction (5%; includes anesthesia, dermatitis, erythema, irritation, pain, papules, pruritus)

Respiratory: Nasopharyngitis (3%)

Transdermal:

>10%: Local: Application site reaction (17%), pruritus (14%)

1% to 10%:

Gastrointestinal: Xerostomia (4% to 10%), diarrhea (3%), constipation (3%)

Genitourinary: Dysuria (2%)

Local: Erythema (6% to 8%), vesicles (3%), rash (3%)

Ocular: Vision changes (3%)

Postmarketing and/or case reports: Cardiac arrhythmia, cycloplegia, hallucinations, lactation suppressed, myocarditis, impotence, seizure, sweating decreased, tachycardia

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP3A4 (minor); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential; Inhibits CYP2C8 (weak), CYP2D6 (weak), CYP3A4 (weak)

Drug Interactions

AbobotulinumtoxinA: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of AbobotulinumtoxinA. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central): Anticholinergics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central). Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticholinergics. If the anticholinergic action is a side effect of the agent, the result may be beneficial. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Anticholinergics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Anticholinergics. Exceptions: Levocabastine (Nasal); Paliperidone. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cannabinoids: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the tachycardic effect of Cannabinoids. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Conivaptan: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Low risk). Risk C: Monitor therapy

OnabotulinumtoxinA: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pimozide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of Pimozide. Risk X: Avoid combination

Potassium Chloride: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Chloride. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergics. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

RimabotulinumtoxinB: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of RimabotulinumtoxinB. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Secretin: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Secretin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Tocilizumab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Ethanol: Use ethanol with caution (may increase CNS depression and toxicity). Watch for sedation.

Storage

Immediate release: Store at controlled room temperature of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect syrup from light.

Extended release: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture and humidity.

Gel sachet, transdermal patch: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture and humidity. Keel gel away from open flame. Keep patch in sealed pouch. Throw away used sachets or patches where children and pets cannot reach.

Mechanism of Action

Direct antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle, also inhibits the action of acetylcholine on smooth muscle (exhibits 1/5 the anticholinergic activity of atropine, but is 4-10 times the antispasmodic activity); does not block effects at skeletal muscle or at autonomic ganglia; increases bladder capacity, decreases uninhibited contractions, and delays desire to void, therefore, decreases urgency and frequency

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: Oral: 30-60 minutes

Peak effect: 3-6 hours

Duration: 6-10 hours (up to 24 hours for extended release oral formulation)

Absorption: Oral: Rapid and well absorbed; Transdermal: High

Distribution: I.V.: Vd: 193 L

Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP3A4; Oral: High first-pass metabolism; forms active and inactive metabolites

Bioavailability: Oral: ~6%

Half-life elimination: I.V.: ~2 hours (parent drug), 7-8 hours (metabolites); Oral: ~2-3 hours

Time to peak, serum: Oral: Immediate release: ~60 minutes; Extended release: 4-6 hours; Transdermal: 24-48 hours

Excretion: Urine, as metabolites and unchanged drug (<0.1%)

Dosage

Oral:

Children:

1-5 years (unlabeled use): 0.2 mg/kg/dose 2-4 times/day

>5 years: 5 mg twice daily, up to 5 mg 3 times/day maximum

>6 years: Extended release: 5 mg once daily; adjust dose in 5 mg increments; maximum dose: 20 mg/day

Adults: 5 mg 2-3 times/day up to 5 mg 4 times/day maximum

Extended release: Initial: 5-10 mg once daily, adjust dose in 5 mg increments at weekly intervals; maximum: 30 mg daily

Elderly: Regular release: Initial dose: 2.5 mg 2-3 times/day; increase as needed to 5 mg 2-3 times/day

Topical gel: Adults: Apply contents of 1 sachet (100 mg/g) once daily

Transdermal: Adults: Apply one 3.9 mg/day patch twice weekly (every 3-4 days)

Note: Should be discontinued periodically to determine whether the patient can manage without the drug and to minimize resistance to the drug

Administration: Oral

Administer without regard to meals. Extended release tablets must be swallowed whole with liquid; do not crush, divide, or chew; take at approximately the same time each day.

Administration: Topical

Topical gel: For topical use only. Apply to clean, dry, intact skin on abdomen, thighs, or upper arms/shoulders. Rotate site; do not apply to same site on consecutive days. Wash hands after use. Cover treated area with clothing after gel has dried to prevent transfer of medication to others. Do not bathe, shower, or swim until 1 hour after gel applied.

Administration: Other

Transdermal: Apply to clean, dry skin on abdomen, hip, or buttock. Select a new site for each new system (avoid reapplication to same site within 7 days).

Monitoring Parameters

Incontinence episodes, postvoid residual (PVR)

Test Interactions

May suppress the wheal and flare reactions to skin test antigens.

Dietary Considerations

Food causes a slight delay in the absorption of the oral solution and bioavailability is increased by ~25%. Absorption of the extended release tablet is not affected by food. May be taken without regard to meals.

Patient Education

Swallow extended-release tablets whole; do not chew or crush. You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth or changes in appetite, constipation, decreased sexual ability (reversible with discontinuance of drug), or decreased sweating. Use alcohol with caution; may increase drowsiness. Report rapid heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain; difficulty voiding; or vision changes.

Gel: Apply to dry, intact skin. Rotate application sites. Wash hands immediately after applying. Keep dry for 1 hour after application.

Geriatric Considerations

Caution should be used in the elderly due to anticholinergic activity (eg, confusion, constipation, blurred vision, and tachycardia). Start with lower doses. Transdermal dosage form may have less potential for these effects. Oxybutynin may cause memory problems in the elderly. A study of 12 healthy volunteers with an average age of 69 showed cognitive decline while taking the drug (J Am Geriatr Soc, 1998, L46:8-13). Studies using transdermal dosage form did not reveal any differences in safety or efficacy between elderly and younger adults.

This medication is considered to be potentially inappropriate in this patient population (Beers Criteria severity: High).

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Xerostomia and changes in salivation (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation), and taste perversion.

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

Drowsiness is common; may cause insomnia or dizziness

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Concurrent use with psychotropics may produce additive sedation and anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth)

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess voiding pattern, incontinent episodes, frequency, urgency, distention, and urinary retention prior to beginning therapy and periodically throughout.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Gel, topical, as chloride:

Gelnique®: 10% (1 g) [contains ethanol]

Patch, transdermal:

Oxytrol®: 3.9 mg/24 hours (8s) [39 cm2; total oxybutynin 36 mg]

Syrup, oral, as chloride: 5 mg/5 mL (5 mL, 473 mL)

Tablet, oral, as chloride: 5 mg

Tablet, extended release, oral, as chloride: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg

Ditropan XL®: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Gel (Gelnique)

10% (30): $175.52

Patch, twice-weekly (Oxytrol)

3.9 mg/24 hrs (8): $250.80

Syrup (Ditropan)

5 mg/5 mL (300): $70.98

Syrup (Oxybutynin Chloride)

5 mg/5 mL (120): $25.00

Tablet, 24-hour (Ditropan XL)

5 mg (30): $125.99

10 mg (30): $122.00

15 mg (30): $125.98

Tablet, 24-hour (Oxybutynin Chloride)

5 mg (100): $299.99

10 mg (100): $295.97

15 mg (100): $299.99

Tablets (Oxybutynin Chloride)

5 mg (60): $16.99

International Brand Names

  • Anrushan (CL)
  • Butyn (PK)
  • Cystrin (GB)
  • Delifon (CO)
  • Ditropan (AR, AT, AU, BE, CH, CZ, FI, FR, GB, GR, HN, HU, IT, KP, LU, PL, PT, SE, TW)
  • Diutropan (TH)
  • Dridase (DE, NL)
  • Driptane (EE, PH, RU)
  • Frenurin (BR)
  • Gradual (UY)
  • Inprax (MX)
  • Kentera (AT, BE, BG, CH, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HN, IE, IT, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RU, SE, SK, TR)
  • Kentera Patch (GB, IE)
  • Lenditro (ZA)
  • Lyrinel (IL, MX, TH)
  • Lyrinel Oros SR (KP)
  • Lyrinel XL (GB)
  • Mutum (EC)
  • Mutum CR (EC)
  • Nefryl (MX)
  • Novitropan (IL)
  • Obutin (SG)
  • Odranal (CN)
  • Oxyban (TW)
  • Oxytrol (AU, NZ)
  • Pollakisu (JP)
  • Reteven (PE, VE)
  • Tavor (MX)
  • Tropan (IN)
  • Urihexal (ZA)
  • Uroflax (PY)
  • Uropan (TR)
  • Uroxal (HU)
  • Voxytane (MY)

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Last full review/revision January 2012

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