Patient/caregiver was instructed upon oxybutynin and mechanism of action of oxybutynin as follows:
- Acetylcholine is a chemical neurotransmitter which acts on the muscarinic receptors in the bladder smooth muscle and brings on the contraction of the urinary bladder.
- Contraction of the bladder smooth muscle results in bladder emptying and urination.
- Oxybutynin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics. Oxybutynin inhibits the action of acetylcholine on the muscarinic receptors of the urinary bladder, thus inhibiting contraction of the urinary bladder.
- Inhibition of contraction of bladder smooth muscle results in relaxation of urinary bladder.
- Relaxation of the smooth muscle of the bladder will provide space for accommodating more volume of urine, reduces need for sudden and frequent urination, reduces bladder spams and thereby, contribute towards control of urinary incontinence.
- Also, reduced need for frequent and urgent urination contributes towards reducing night time restroom trips and helps promote a restful sleep.
