Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking oxybutynin as follows:
- 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 and tachycardia. Discuss with your physician regarding any increased heart rate and exacerbation of symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, increased episodes of confusion, dizziness, and palpitations.
- Oxybutynin use can relax the smooth muscle of the salivary glands. Poor contraction of salivary glands can lead to poor salivation, dry mouth, and thirst. Observe compliance with measures for hydration. Sucking on a hard candy or ice chips, chewing on gum, and periodical sipping from a bottle of water you always carry, can help to avoid the discomfort of dry mouth.
- Oxybutynin use can relax the smooth muscle of the sweat glands. Poor contraction of sweat glands can result in difficulty sweating and cooling off the body in warm environments, which can contribute to episodes of heat stroke. Observe compliance with measures for hydration. Avoiding overheated environments can help avoid heat stroke.
- Oxybutynin use can also result in difficulty draining the fluid in the eye and so, can contribute to increase in intraocular pressure. This can result in frequent episodes of headache, exacerbation of symptoms of glaucoma, and poor vision. Follow closely regarding any episodes of headache and diminishing vision and report them to your physician, for a change in plan of care to be considered. Oxybutynin use can also result in dry eyes. Using artificial tears can help avoid the discomfort of dry eyes.
