Oxytrol (Oxybutynin)

Oxytrol is used for adults with symptoms of overactive bladders that including sudden urges to urinate (urgency), urinary incontinence (the inability to control urination), and frequent urination. It also is used in children, aged 6 years and older, with symptoms of detrusor muscle hyperactivity associated with neurological conditions, such as spina bifida.

Oxytrol has a dual mechanism of action. Contraction of the smooth muscle of the bladder is stimulated by the release of acetylcholine by the nerves within the bladder and the attachment of the acetylcholine to receptors on the surface of the muscle cells. Oxybutynin delivered into the blood suppresses involuntary contractions of the bladders smooth muscle (spasms) by blocking the release of acetylcholine. This is called an anticholinergic effect. Oxytrol also directly relaxes the bladders outer layer of muscle (the detrusor muscle).

Use of this medicine in children under age 5 is not recommended. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anythung else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit akcoholic beverages. This medicine can cause decreased sweating. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heat stroke may occur while you are taking this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine (see BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE section). Before tou begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For woman: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

The use of oxytrol in patients who are receiving other drugs with anticholinergic effects will likely result in an increased frequency and/or severity of anticholinergic side effects. Such effects include dry mouth, constipation, confusion, blurred vision, urinary retention (the inability to urinate) and an increased heart rate or palpitations. There are many such drugs. A few include: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), scopolamine (Trans-Scop), benztropine (Cogentin), disopyramide (Norpace), thioridazine (Mellaril), and amitriptyline (Elavil). Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include skin redness, itching, or irritation at the application site; dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chew sugarless gum, drink water, or use saliva substitute. Check with your doctor immediately if you experience weakness, vision problems, or symptoms of urinary infection (urinary burning, frequent urination). Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any unlikely but serious side effects, including eye pain, difficulty urinating, severe stomach pain, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes, flushing hot or dry skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you have any questions about Casodex, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Casodex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.