Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking oxybutynin as follows:
- Oxybutynin use can inhibit the action of acetylcholine on the muscarinic receptors in the brain and spinal cord, thus compromising motor functions and memory. Oxybutynin use can also contribute to dizziness and drowsiness. Report to your physician regarding any increased motor weakness, exacerbation of dizziness, and any compromise with mental faculties, such as, memory and attention. Avoid activities that need you to be more attentive, such as driving, until you are used to the level of dizziness and oxybutynin might cause.
- Oxybutynin use can result in relaxation of smooth muscle of bladder, thus preventing random bladder spasms and urinary incontinence. By promoting bladder retention, oxybutynin can increase difficulty to urinate. Report to your physician regarding any increase in difficulty to urinate or starting stream of urine, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Oxybutynin can relax the smooth muscle of the stomach and intestines, thus contributing to slowing of gastric emptying and bowel movements, gastric retention, episodes of GERD, and constipation. Report to your physician regarding any increase in frequency of GERD episodes, symptoms of stomach bloating, and exacerbation of constipation, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Observe compliance with recommendations for dietary fiber, fluid supplementation, laxative intake, to help prevent episodes of constipation. Life-style changes, such as, regular eating habits, avoiding smoking and alcohol, compliance with daily physical exercise, and weight control in obese patients can help prevent exacerbation of GERD.
- Discuss with your physician regarding any new diagnoses such as, dementia, myasthenia gravis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and your safety with regards to continuing on oxybutynin, without any delay, as oxybutynin might cause worsening of symptoms in all these conditions.
