1. Oxybutynin is used to help with bladder control so that you need to pass water less often.
2. The tablets can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. If you find they cause stomach upset, try taking them with food or a drink of milk.
3. It is important to drink at least six to nine cups of fluid every day so that your kidneys work properly. You may find it helpful to reduce the number of drinks you have which contain caffeine (like tea and coffee) and to drink less in the evening, so that you do not need to get up in the night to go to the toilet.
4. These tablets may make you feel drowsy or cause blurred vision. If this happens do not drive or operate machinery.
5. Other side effects which oxybutynin can cause include dry mouth, constipation and facial flushing. Tell your doctor if any unwanted effects are persistent or troublesome.
6. Problems can occur if oxybutynin is taken with some other medicines. Are you taking any other prescribed medicines or medicines you have bought?
This series of "advice tips" on commonly used drugs is written by pharmacists from the Sussex Pharmacy Academic Practice Unit. It is intended as a reminder of points to be made by pharmacists as they hand out dispensed medicines. The list is not intended to be comprehensive but to cover some important points. Cards for sale: Sets of the first 25 "tips" are now available for sale as 12 x 15cm cards, supplied with a ring binder, at a cost of £9.95. Orders should be sent to Pharmacy Practice Consultants, 12 Firle Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0NZ, with cheques payable to Pharmacy Practice Consultants. Email:stewartppc@compuserve.com
By Carina and Duncan Livingstone