Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using oxybutynin as follows:
- Do not use this medication if you have history of allergy or serious side-effects to oxybutynin use.
- Liver disease: Oxybutynin is extensively and thoroughly metabolized by the liver, with some inactive metabolites excreted in the urine. If liver function is deficient, metabolism of oxybutynin could be slowed down. Slowing down of the drug metabolism can result in the drug being active for longer time in the blood circulation with increased risk for toxicity and side-effects of the medication.
- Oxybutynin use can inhibit the action of acetylcholine on the muscarinic receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Acetylcholine is a major neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord, helping with smooth contraction of skeletal muscle and memory. Inhibition of this action of acetylcholine by oxybutynin can compromise motor functions and memory and so, is contraindicated in individuals with history of dementia and motor abnormalities, such as, myasthenia gravis.
- Acetylcholine acts on the muscarinic receptors in the heart and reduce the heart rate. Oxybutynin, by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors in the heart can contribute to rapid heart rate, tachycardia, and so, is contraindicated in individuals with history of tachycardia and poorly controlled cardiac arrhythmias.
